What to watch for: Rowdies vs. Montreal

Posted Jun 12, 2010 by Nick Murray

Updated Jun 12, 2010 at 09:27 AM

What to watch for when the FC Tampa Bay Rowdies host the Montreal Impact at Steinbrenner Field tonight at 7 p.m.

1. OVER THE TOP: In prior contests, Montreal has played a pretty high line defensively and Carolina in particular was able to take advantage of this in its 2-0 victory at Stade Saputo on May 30. With the speed that the Rowdies have in their attacking midfield of Long Tan, Pascal Millien and JJ Adjeman-Pamboe, the team should be looking to make angled runs in behind the defense for the midfield and full backs to try and pick out.

When the Rowdies faced Minnesota on May 27, a side that plays in a similar fashion, they were able to execute that plan well, exemplified by Aaron Wheeler’s run onto Long Tan’s through-ball creating a chance that ended up leading to a penalty. With Wheeler as the pivot, using his feet as well as his head, the team could find itself with some good scoring opportunities breaking in on goal tonight.

2. GUARD THE FLANKS: Montreal has created a lot of good chances from wide positions, with right winger Phillippe Billy a dangerous player who can deliver a quality cross. The Rowdies will need to be aware of him and try to hold him in check so he can’t provide service for Rocco Placentino in the penalty area.

Montreal has struggled to find goals of late, scoring just once in its last three games, but it hasn’t been for a lack of trying. The Impact took 12 shots in their 1-0 loss against Minnesota on Wednesday, and while they only forced two saves from Stars goalkeeper Joe Warren the Rowdies will not want to allow them that many looks at goal.

3. SWITCH THE PLAY: The shortness of the Rowdies home field has made for tight, compact games in the center of midfield in their first three home games. But while the field may be shorter than most, there is still a lot of width to play with, and moving the ball side to side to play out of pressure is going to be a must.

In addition to being able to keep the game moving and keep the Impact chasing, by changing the point of attack the Rowdies should be able to open up new angles and passing lanes to find Wheeler and the other front runners. If they accomplish this, a third straight home victory should be there for the taking.