ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Winless in three, including a first home defeat in their most recent outing, the Tampa Bay Rowdies entered their clash with the Richmond Kickers on Saturday night focused on getting back on a winning track.

Thanks to Deshorn Brown’s highlight-reel finish and a stellar defensive display, the hosts came through with a 1-0 victory at Al Lang Stadium to move into a tie for first place in the USL’s Eastern Conference.

“It was pretty important for us to get the win tonight because last week was a rough week for us,” said Brown. “There was a lot of frustration for us, so to get back from that and start winning again is a good feeling.”

Brown was restored to the starting lineup against the Kickers after being omitted from the starting lineup against the Battery, with his ability to compete against Richmond’s center back duo of Conor Shanosky and Mallan Roberts the reasoning behind Head Coach Stuart Campbell’s decision.

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Brown almost provided the opening goal inside the first 10 minutes, finding space between the two defenders in the penalty area to bring down an angled cross by Marcel Schäfer, only for Shanosky to recover in time to block his effort. When he was left in space in the final minute of the first half, though, he made the most of his opportunity.

“We knew that [Richmond] has a couple of center backs that are big and strong,” said Campbell. “I just felt that, at the start of the game, we needed someone that could match their physicality, so we started Deshorn up there. It was purely tactical. Deshorn did well to get the goal.”

Brown’s goal held up thanks to a strong performance by the Rowdies’ back line, which held a Kickers side looking to use its speed to counter-attack as it conceded the majority of possession to the hosts. That Richmond was unable to do so was in part thanks to a great performance by Damion Lowe, who made four interceptions and two tackles in addition to winning 13-of-18 duels and 5-of-6 aerial duels in the contest.

“[Lowe] was exceptional,” said Campbell. “He’s gotten better and better by the game and he’s got to continue that because he’s got all the attributes to play at a real, real high level. He’s big, he’s quick and he’s strong. The big thing I liked tonight was that he kept his discipline. I thought it was a harsh yellow card on him and I saw him nearly losing his temper, so I was really happy he kept calm. He was a man mountain back there.”

As Lowe held the Kickers’ attackers in check, Brown efforts against Lowe’s counterparts lifted the Rowdies to a big three points.

“Everywhere I go, I match up with the big defenders so I’m pretty used to it,” said Brown. “I just try to put in the work and get them frustrated and it worked tonight.”