What to watch for: Rowdies vs. Miami

Posted Jul 25, 2010 by Nick Murray

Updated Jul 25, 2010 at 10:19 AM

What to watch for when the FC Tampa Bay Rowdies face Miami FC at Steinbrenner Field at 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

1. BOUNCE BACK: Rowdies coach Paul Dalglish and players JJ Adjeman-Pamboe and Jonny Steele said all the right things about how the team was going to pick itself up after what could easily have been a demoralizing defeat against Rochester on Thursday.

Talk, however, can often be used to mask how a team is really feeling, and how the 11 players Dalglish decides will start against Miami play in the first 15 minutes of this afternoon’s game will be the true test of whether this side can get into the playoffs.

One of the things that stood out on Thursday night was the confidence the team showed in its passing and movement throughout the first half and for periods of the second. It’s important they come out with that same mentality and earn their first victory against their in-state rivals.

2. IMMEDIATE IMPACT: Ricardo Sanchez’s arrival in Tampa late on Friday and his availability for Sunday’s game offers another potential boost for the Rowdies. After Jonny Steele made a good impression on his debut for the club on Thursday, it will be interesting to see if Sanchez can do the same should he get to see the field.

As to whether Sanchez will get that opportunity, if past history is to be taken as a guide I believe he will. Dalglish has not shown any reluctance to immediately insert a player into the line-up soon after they’ve been acquired, Andre Akpan and Steele being the two most recent examples. Sanchez should expect to get a chance to show the Rowdies fans what he’s made of immediately.

3. SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST: Anyone who’s lived in Florida for a while knows how draining it can be just to be standing outside in the middle of summer, let alone having to go through the rigors of 90 minutes of professional soccer.

The Rowdies have shown recently the desire to get back to a passing style that will make their opponents chase the game. With their first afternoon kickoff at Steinbrenner Field, making Miami work hard in the first half could allow holes to open in their defense in the second half.

For their part, the Blues will be out to impress their new manager Daryl Shore, appointed earlier this week to replace Victor Pastora, but don’t expect to see too much high pressure from Miami unless it’s for a ball that is winnable. The onus will be on the Rowdies to carry the game, which will mean a major test of their fitness to play until the final whistle.