ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies romped to a 4-0 victory against Toronto FC II on Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium as three first-half goals paved the way to a comfortable victory. The Rowdies got an early lead as a corner on the left came back out to Michael Nanchoff, and his cross to the far post found Damion Lowe for his first goal for Tampa Bay. Nanchoff again played provider as a good dummy set up Georgi Hristov for his second goal of the season in the 20th minute, and two minutes later Joe Cole notched his first as Marcel Schäfer found him in space on the right side of the penalty area. Nanchoff also hit the crossbar with a free kick in the 36th minute, but the Rowdies held their three-goal lead until the break. Toronto got into some better positions early in the second half, but Tampa Bay added its fourth with 20 minutes to go as Deshorn Brown got on the end of Hristov’s cross from the left to score on his Rowdies’ debut. Toronto’s Brian James hit the post in the 75th minute with a tight-angle shot, but it would have been little other than a consolation as Tampa Bay took its second consecutive win.

Scoring: 
12’ – TBR – Damion Lowe (Michael Nanchoff)
20’ – TBR – Georgi Hristov (Michael Nanchoff)
22’ – TBR – Joe Cole (Marcel Schäfer)
70’ – TBR – Deshorn Brown (Georgi Hristov)

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. The Rowdies grabbed hold of the game early as Michael Nanchoff in particular drove the side from midfield to set up regular chances that Tampa Bay put away comfortably. Nanchoff led all players in Week 1 of the USL season with seven created chances, and his two assists and shot off the crossbar in the first half showed why opponents are not going to be able to allow him time and space as the season progresses.

• 2. Toronto FC II was aiming to try and play on the counter-attack in a second consecutive contest, but unlike their opening game in Phoenix the side was unable to find many connections in the final third as the Rowdies were able to win possession before the side was able to find many clear shooting opportunities. After a frustrating night, the side will want to rebound in a positive fashion on Tuesday night as it completes its trip to Florida against Orlando.

• 3. Tampa Bay’s strong start to the season has signaled why the veteran squad was looked at as one of the favorites to contend in the Eastern Conference this season, with new signing Damion Lowe finding the net to open the scoring and Marcel Schafer notching his first assist in Green and Gold. With a contest against Ottawa Fury FC up next, the Rowdies will have an eye on a third consecutive win to start the season before it hits the road for the first time.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Michael Nanchoff, Tampa Bay Rowdies – Nanchoff provided the assists on the Rowdies’ opening two goals, and came close to finding the net himself as he rattled the crossbar with a free kick.

Upcoming Games:
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Ottawa Fury FC – April 8, 7:30 p.m. ET, Al Lang Stadium

Toronto FC II at Orlando City B – April 4, 7:30 p.m. ET, Orlando City Stadium