Rowdies Weekly: Full Points vs PIT, Reunion vs Neill & SAC

Date: Saturday August 30, 2025

Result: Tampa Bay 2-1 Pittsburgh

Records: Tampa Bay Rowdies (21 pts 6W-3D-12L); Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (28 pts 7W-7D-8L)

Standings: The Rowdies are 11th in the East and the Riverhounds are 7th. 

It wasn’t the result that everyone expected; but, it’s exactly what the Rowdies needed! Not only did Tampa Bay beat the visiting Pittsburgh Riverhounds, they did so in a comeback win with two goals coming from corners. Three crucial points later, the Green and Gold need to build on this game and establish some momentum before they host their former manager Neill Collins, who’s now in charge of Sacramento. Be there this weekend to cheer the boys on against one of their 

Are we the USL version of Set Piece FC? 

A positive result that came out of the worst possible start. After giving up a goal in the third minute, Rowdies fans could be forgiven for expecting the worst out of this past weekend. The home side did not get off the blocks particularly well, failing to handle Pittsburgh’s play down the wings. This was the way the Riverhounds always attached, so it wasn’t exactly surprising. 

Still, the Green and Gold didn’t back down. After ceding too much room to the Pittsburgh wide players, the Rowdies more effectively shut down those same areas afterwards. While the Riverhounds created more chances, none had the same potency. Their lack of effective attacks allowed Tampa Bay back into the game, which was augmented with second half subs. 

Several new players have joined the Rowdies on loan in recent weeks. Another new signing preceded this game, with Paul Marie joining from San Jose in MLS. He slid right into the starting lineup, helping out as the right wingback. With Lewis Hilton back as well, versatile players Thomas Vancaeyezeele and Laurence Wyke filled out other positions in the backline. 

Manuel Arteaga, Nick Moon, and Joey Skinner all came on within the first 15 minutes of the second half. The latter two operated in their usual wide spots, though with plenty of room to attack. They started to help turn the tide, bringing new energy to the midfield when running at the Riverhounds. Ultimately, multiple set pieces, including two important corners, were lined up.

The first was well worked, even if goalscorer Hilton had little idea about where the ball was before it fell to him. The second was possibly nicer. After Pittsburgh had successfully cleared the ball from their own box, the Rowdies recuperated and Arteaga pinged a deep ball to the back post. Woobens Pacius was the lucky beneficiary who tucked it away. 

This is all potentially a sign of progress. Where Tampa Bay has not been particularly dangerous over the course of the season, set pieces can often bridge the gap. Even that hasn’t been the case until recently. Getting two goals off corners means there is some ability left to be lethal with the ball. Everyone in Green and Gold wants to see more of this new development. 

RBLR Man of the Match: 

James: Lewis Hilton

Carlos: Woobens Pacius

Upcoming Game: Tampa Bay vs. Sacramento

Can we keep up the momentum vs. Neill Collins and co.?

The set piece goals are certainly good here – not least for the three points they earned a struggling side. There is also the addition of new players and the ability to free players already on the roster with new assignments. Skinner and Moon were two mentioned above who were put in higher spots than fans have mostly seen them so far in 2025.

Skinner has played as an attacking or wide midfielder, depending on the circumstances, to good effect in prior games. Moon is getting more of a run out in the same role on the opposite side. The loan signing of Marie from the Earthquakes makes this even more likely, so long as the injury that forced Moon off after 15 minutes isn’t particularly serious. 

Giving Blake Bodily a little rest in the last match may be a positive, too. His assignment against Sacramento this upcoming Saturday will be difficult. Tampa Bay fans will already know that Neill Collins loves to play in a rough 3-4-3 formation in which the wingbacks become focal points in the attack. This is demonstrated in the stats the team has racked up so far. 

Right wingback Jack Gurr has four assists across all competitions, while his left-sided counterpart Michelle Benitez has three. The former also contributes heavily to their created chances. Just like last week against Pittsburgh, the widemen in defense will need to be on their toes – and early. Avoiding an early goal is better than having to come back from a deficit. 

It has seemed at times lately like new manager Dom Casciato is still tinkering with his side. Not only is he literally getting used to the individual characteristics of a new roster, but they have brought in more than just Marie lately. Charlie Sharp joined on loan from Toronto FC, Juan Azocar came in as a free agent, and keeper Bill Hamid just swapped clubs with Nico Campisi. 

Hamid will likely get a start at some point before the end of the season. His track record before 2025 was impressive, and Ethan Bandre has also not been stellar. Meanwhile, Azocar has bounced around several positions since signing up. He was played as another one of the wingbacks and also in the attack. It’s like a puzzle with a few new pieces that should still fit.

Finding where they all go is Casciato’s task. As one side of the board looks a little better, he can begin to focus on shoring up another, in this case repositioning his defense or attack. The midfield has been the most stable throughout this process, so long as injuries don’t keep crucial guys like Hilton out. Now is the time to start to settle on something and work it into shape. With nine games left, three points against Sacramento is vital. 

RBLR Score Predictions: 

Carlos: 0-0 D

James: 1-0 W

Yurika: 1-1 D

RBLR Sports Predictions Standings:

Carlos: 9

James: 18

Yurika: 18