Rowdies vs. Spartans: What to watch for

Posted Mar 6, 2010 by Nick Murray

Updated Mar 6, 2010 at 11:57 AM

Here are a few things to keep an eye on when the FC Tampa Bay Rowdies take on the University of Tampa tonight at Pepin Stadium.

The formation: The Rowdies want to use a 4-2-3-1 system, and while they have experimented a little with other ideas in practice, you’ll see that base formation in both halves against the Spartans.

Coach Paul Dalglish has been actively encouraging his players to try to play simply in the center of the field and push the ball wide to try and get the left and right attacking midfielders opportunities to go one-on-one with defenders.

When the Rowdies don’t have possession, look for high pressure on the Spartans midfield and defense. As many coaches point out, it’s easier to score goals when you win possession 30 yards from goal than if you do 80 yards away, so expect the Rowdies forwards and midfielders to be very active in trying to pin the Spartans into their own half.

Here are the two groups we’re expecting to see play this evening:

First Half: Daryl Sattler; John Raus, Joe Donoho, Graham Tatters, Gordon Kljestan; Jeremy Christie, Stanley Nyazamba; Pascal Milien, Adam Nowland, JJ Adjeman; Aaron King.

Second Half: Phillip Lamarre; Pascal Milien, Yendry Diaz, Julian Valentin, Graham Tatters; Chad Burt, Adam Nowland;  Romain Onteniente, Aaron Wheeler, Long Tan; Dwight Barnett.

The opposition: The Spartans are going to be a young side after having lost eight starters from last season, but are eager for their opportunity to go up against a professional side. They will play a 4-3-3, and try to put the Rowdies on their heels as much as they can, which should lead to an open, exciting game tonight.

The importance: While it’s only preseason, and the end of the just the first week of practice, there’s nothing like getting off to a winning start. Putting together a strong performance tonight will be important not only to the team, but to trial players Ontentiente and Burt as they get a chance to show what they can do on a competitive stage.