Miami, Tampa Bay Battle To Gain Ground In The Championship Race

Photo credit: Orovio Photography/Miami FC

The Tampa Bay Rowdies welcome Miami FC to Al Lang Stadium in a crucial game in the race to The Championship, the NASL’s four-team postseason tournament. Tampa Bay and Miami are tied on 35 points in the Combined Standings – one point behind Minnesota for fourth place and a postseason berth. The Rowdies (5W-4D-6L, 19 points Fall; 9-8-8, 35 Combined) ran rampant in their last game, scoring often against rival Fort Lauderdale to win, 4-1, last Saturday. Georgi Hristov scored the first hat trick for the club in the NASL Modern Era in the victory. The Rowdies have been strong at home, losing just once in their last nine games in front of their home supporters.

Miami (8-4-4, 28 Fall; 9-8-9, 35 Combined) picked up a big win at home on a last-gasp goal from Vincenzo Rennella to defeat Ottawa Fury FC, 2-1, on Wednesday. With the win, Miami also climbed to second place in the Fall Season Standings, giving the club an improved chance for the title. Alessandro Nesta’s side still trails the New York Cosmos by six points. The club has been strong away from home in the Fall Season as well, only losing one game in eight contests.

Match Information
7:30 p.m. ET | Saturday, October 1
Al Lang Stadium | St. Petersburg, Fla.
Watch | ESPN3 (National – U.S.), NASL.com (National – Canada), BHSN 1147 (Local – St. Pete/Tampa Bay), *International outlets

*Miami has international TV partners in various countries. Visit miamifc.com for more information.