Defender Neill Collins Provides The Winner For Tampa Bay

Photo credit: Jon van Woerden

The first Florida Derby of the year between the two long-time NASL rivals from the Sunshine State – the host Fort Lauderdale and Tampa Bay – went to the Rowdies, 1-0.

Fort Lauderdale (0W-2D-1L, 2 points) squandered an opportunity to take the lead late in the first half of this Spring Season match when Maicon Santos put his penalty kick off the far post and out as Rowdies goalkeeper Matt Pickens dived in the opposite direction. Tampa Bay (2-2-1, 8) conceded the penalty when Eric Avila handled the ball in the penalty area.

The Rowdies shocked the Strikers when they scored against the run of play in the 78th minute. Neill Collins rose high over the Fort Lauderdale defense to meet Avila’s cross and sent a looping header over goalkeeper Bruno. It was the first goal in the NASL for the 32-year-old defender from Scotland.

A late diving save by Rowdies keeper Matt Pickens denied a header by Nana Attakora deep into second half injury time.

For more details on the match, visit strikers.com and rowdiessoccer.com.