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Hristov Ties History as Rowdies Down Monarchs

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 04/22/18, 12:24AM EDT

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Scores 57th goal for Tampa Bay in 2-0 victory against Real for crowd of 6,027


Photo courtesy Matt May / Tampa Bay Rowdies

ST. PETERBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies got goals in either half by Joe Cole and Georgi Hristov to take a 2-0 victory against Real Monarchs SLC on Saturday night in front of 6,027 fans at Al Lang Stadium. Hristov’s goal was the 57th of his Rowdies career, tying the all-time club record held by Derek Smethurst. The Monarchs had the first good chance as a cross by Charlie Adams from the right fell to Chandler Hoffman, whose two efforts on goal were blocked in the 23rd minute. Real’s Michael Gallagher also went close from the ensuing corner, his header from the right corner of the six-yard area going just wide. Tampa Bay’s first good chance arrived in the 33rd minute when a low shot by Marcel Schäfer was deflected just wide of the right post. Five minutes before halftime, however, Cole forced a turnover on the back line and walked in on goal to give the hosts the lead. The Monarchs looked for a way back into the game, but with 20 minutes to go a great slipped pass by Cole played Hristov into the right side of the penalty area and the standout striker fired home into the left corner of the net. That proved decisive for the hosts as the Monarchs went close on a shot by Justin Portillo from outside the penalty area that went just wide of the right post but were unable to cut into the Rowdies’ lead as Tampa Bay took an important home victory.

Scoring:
40’ – TBR – Joe Cole
70’ – TBR – Georgi Hristov (Joe Cole)

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. After last week’s heavy defeat the Tampa Bay Rowdies were expecting a strong response back in front of their home fans, and the side produced just that in the defensive end to take a big victory on the night. Tampa Bay showed strong discipline to hold the Monarchs in check as the visitors settled into the game well in the first half and showed just enough cutting edge in a great move and finish from Georgi Hristov to earn a big three points while bringing Real’s perfect start to the season to an end.

  • 2. The Monarchs opened the game well and had the better chances during the first half as they limited the Rowdies’ clear looks on goal, but all that was undone in a moment of hesitation by defender Michael Gallagher that allowed Joe Cole to pounce for the Rowdies’ opening goal on the night. Cole’s instincts to press proved right as he was able to pinch possession away, and despite a good effort by Real goalkeeper David Ochoa the former England international was able to finish comfortably at a key moment just before halftime.

  • 3. The longest-serving member of the Rowdies reached another milestone on Saturday night as Georgi Hristov notched his 57th goal for the Green and Gold to draw level with original Rowdies great Derek Smethurst for the all-time lead in club history. Part of the club since the 2013 season, Hristov has gotten off to a strong start already this season with a team-leading four goals as he continues to excel in leading the line among his veteran teammates, and now he'll have the chance to go for the record next Saturday when the Rowdies visit the Charleston Battery.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Joe Cole, Tampa Bay Rowdies – Cole produced the opening goal of the game and a perfectly-weighted pass to set up Hristov’s finish in a solid all-around display in the center of midfield.

Upcoming Games:

Tampa Bay Rowdies at Charleston Battery – April 28, 7 p.m. ET, MUSC Health Stadium

Real Monarchs SLC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC – April 30, 9 p.m. ET, Zion’s Bank Stadium

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