What to watch for: Rowdies vs. Puerto Rico Islanders

Posted Jul 15, 2010 by Nick Murray

Updated Jul 15, 2010 at 11:29 AM

What to watch for when the FC Tampa Bay Rowdies host the Puerto Rico Islanders at Steinbrenner Field tonight at 7:30 p.m.

1. CHEMISTRY CLASS: With the work that’s been put in over the last two days on developing chemistry in the attacking third, will we see more aggression and decisiveness from the Rowdies attack? It’s a valid question, since working through things in training is very different from going up against live opposition.

The biggest key to replicating the success they found on the practice field will be confidence. If the Rowdies can create chances within the first 10 minutes, it should help the team settle and give it a chance to dictate the rhythm of the game. If the Islanders can disrupt them and keep the Rowdies off balance, it could be a tough evening.

2. PHYSICAL PLAY: And make no mistake, the Islanders will likely try to play a physically disruptive game against the Rowdies as they have in the first two meetings between the sides. Rowdies coach Paul Dalglish is expecting a similar direct approach to the one Puerto Rico used in their most recent meeting in Bayamon, which means the Rowdies central defenders will need to be sure of themselves in the air and the midfield will need to work hard to win possession on second-balls and clear danger should it arise.

Dalglish has opted for the defensive pairing of Rob Valentino and Yendry Diaz in the last two outings, and with their strength in the air you would expect that to continue. But as strong as both are in the air, it’s important both players don’t try to make challenges or contest headers they can’t win. If one player is caught out of position, it can set off a chain reaction that pulls others in to cover, and that’s when gaps appear.

3. MAKE THE DIFFERENCE: With the absences of five players from the squad bue to injury, the biggest question facing the team is who will make the difference in their stead. Against Minnesota on Saturday, it felt as though the team was waiting for someone else to be that player, and in the end no-one stepped up to the mark.

From talking to the players and watching them in the last two days, I think the side realizes the urgency of the situation they face. There’s been a lot of extra work put in after practices have officially ended, whether it’s Julian Valentin firing in cross after cross or others working on their finishing. Valentin told me that he was aware of the disappointment the fans felt after Saturday’s game. Hopefully he and his teammates can rectify that tonight.