Miami, Tampa Bay Meet In Key Showdown In Postseason Race

Photo credit: Matt May/Tampa Bay Rowdies

Miami FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies have been unable to wrest control of their postseason fates so far, but each has four games remaining. Both clubs are currently trailing in the race to the postseason with the Rowdies one point back of fourth place in the Combined Standings – and the final postseason berth – while Miami has a two-point gap to make up. Friday night, though, offers either side a chance to move up. Miami and Tampa Bay have both played one less game than their nearest rivals in the table and can boost their own hopes while dampening their opponent’s. Miami (8W-5D-5L, 29 points Fall; 9-9-10, 36 Combined) fell to fellow postseason hopeful Rayo OKC, 1-0, in its last outing. Michel scored the only tally from the penalty spot. Miami will need to smooth its recent rough patch, picking up only one win in its last five games.

The Rowdies (5-6-7, 21 Fall; 9-10-9, 37 Combined) were on a seven-game unbeaten run, but it came to an end in a 1-0 loss to FC Edmonton last Sunday. Over the past three games, Tampa Bay had a chance to separate itself from the pack, but a pair of draws and the recent loss have hampered the club’s postseason push. Heading into Friday night’s clash, games between Miami and Tampa Bay have been incredibly close. Both contests ended 1-1, including the meeting at the beginning of the month. 

Match Information
8 p.m. ET | Friday, October 14
Ocean Bank Field | Miami, Fla.
Watch | ESPN3 (National – U.S.), NASL.com (National – Canada), GolTV (National – U.S.), *International outlets

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