Tampa Bay Fights Back To Earn Point Against Miami FC

Photo credit: Orovio Photography/Miami FC

Miami FC had a two-goal advantage early, but was unable to hold on in the 2-2 draw with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Both sides needed three points in a tight race to The Championship, the NASL's four-team postseason tournament. 

Jaime Chavez opened the scoring in sensational fashion in the 16^th minute. Blake Smith sent over a cross and the Miami forward struck the ball on the volley, sending it past Tampa Bay goalkeeper Matt Pickens.

Kwadwo Poku gave Miami (8W-6D-5L, 30 points Fall; 9-10-10, 37 Combined) a two-goal lead in the 21^st minute when Chavez went from goalscorer to provider. He slotted the ball to Poku, who found space in the box and sent his shot to the right corner of the goal.

The Rowdies would pull a goal back just six minutes later. Georgi Hristov, Tampa Bay’s leading scorer, added his 10^th goal of the year when he nodded in a cross from Eric Avila. Tampa Bay (5-7-7, 22 Fall; 9-11-9, 38 Combined) added the game-tying goal in the 66^th minute. Juan Guerra was unmarked at the top of the box as Joe Cole played the ball into his path. Just inside the box, Guerra sent his shot past Miami FC goalkeeper Daniel Vega.

Smith had a tremendous chance in the second minute of the game, but his effort on goal rattled the crossbar.

Tampa Bay is currently tied on points in fourth place, while Miami is a point back in the race.  

For more information on the game, head to miamifc.com and rowdiessoccer.com.