ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies’ high-profile professional and international experience among the roster is well known, so when someone outside that corps plays an impactful role, it is going to grab some attention.

Such was the case on Thursday night with Lakeland, Fla., native Alex Morrell.

The 23-year-old was one of the most crucial parts in helping the Rowdies end a seven-game winless streak, playing a part in the buildup of two goals en route to a 2-0 win against FC Cincinnati in the USL Game of the Week on ESPNU and in front of nearly 6,300 fans at Al Lang Stadium.

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Making just his fifth start of the season, the University of North Florida alum was a driving force for a Tampa Bay side that earned its first win since May 19 against Toronto FC II. He assisted a Martin Paterson goal and then had the initial shot that helped provide Joe Cole with a rebound tally, providing some much-needed attacking prowess before the match went into a nearly two-hour weather delay.

“It was so cool at halftime, just seeing all the fans cheering us; I was pumping them up,” Morrell said. “For the fans to stay after the delay, that’s all you can ask for. It motivated me. My dad was here, so I saw him in the stands – it was nice.”

Morrell has mainly been a bench option for his home-state club because of its roster depth, but he was put into the starting fray against FC Cincinnati and played a heavy part in Tampa Bay’s strong first half.

Before factoring in the two first-half scores, Morrell gave Rowdies fans a sampling of what was to come with a wonderful individual display to create a 30th-minute chance that caromed off of the left post. Cole’s follow went directly to FCC goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt, and while it wasn’t the result the Rowdies wanted, the hosts kept at it. The moment was representative of the isolated attacking approach that Head Coach Stuart Campbell wanted from the likes of Morrell against Cincinnati.

“When the opportunity was there, especially with the two wide players, go and have a go,” Campbell said. “We spoke the whole week about really encouraging them about 1-v-1 scenarios, isolating them and attacking them, and tonight he did that.”

Morrell continued to lead the charge in the buildup of the opening goal, crossing from the right to set up Paterson for a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute. Then in the 44th minute, Morrell burst past two defenders from midfield to set up an initial shot on goal that Hildebrandt deflected away. Cole was there for the rebound and finished in the upper left corner for a 2-0 lead.

“He’s come off the bench a couple times where you’re seeing glimpses, and he thoroughly deserved this little run that he’s got,” Campbell said. “Tonight was a breakout game for him. It gives him the confidence and belief to go and build on that, which I know he will. He’s got real good character.”

“It was very important personally, and for the team,” Morrell said. “We needed a little spark, and I believe I brought what I could to the table, getting everything I could. The moment was great, but I won’t just sit here and soak in it, because we’ve got more games coming up.”

Morrell was a No. 22 selection in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by the Chicago Fire, and after a handful of games that year, as well as a couple USL matches while on loan with Saint Louis FC, he made his way to Tampa Bay in the offseason.

Campbell touted Morrell’s demeanor and work ethic following Thursday’s strong performance.

“He comes in and he gives the whole place a lift,” Campbell said. “Rain or shine, win or lose, he’s always got a big smile on his face and bouncing about like the little kid that he looks. It’s great to have.”

Collectively, the effort was a crucial one for a Rowdies side that needed a jolt following a disappointing stretch of results on the road. Aside from next Thursday’s match at Orlando City B, the Rowdies will be spending much of the upcoming stretch through early August at Al Lang Stadium.

“There’s no panic within the locker room,” Campbell said. “We know what sort of players we’ve got. We know the atmosphere and what character we’ve got. We know when we’re at home, if we’re on our game, we’re a tough side to beat.”

“You get in a little slump and you need a win to bounce you back,” Morrell said. “We played really well tonight. If we keep this up, we’re going to keep getting wins and get to the top of the table. We believe in that.”