skip navigation

Match Preview: #TBRvPEN

By Rowdies Communications, 06/21/18, 2:00PM EDT

Share

The Basics
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Penn FC
Friday, June 22, 7:30 p.m. ET
Al Lang Stadium, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Follow us for live updates on Twitter at @RowdiesGameday

Tickets
Tickets for Friday’s match are available by calling (727) 222-2000 or clicking here. Gates open at 6 p.m.

How to Watch
The match will be broadcast locally on thisTV Tampa Bay and online on ESPN+ (subscription required), the official streaming partner of the USL, here. International viewers in regions where ESPN+ is not offered can watch the match here. Fans in the Tampa Bay area can also listen to the game live on WHNZ 1250 AM.

Parking
There are several options for parking at Al Lang Stadium and around downtown. Parking in Lot A, right in front of the stadium, is for PASS HOLDERS ONLY and opens at 4 p.m. For more parking options, click here.

Records
Tampa Bay: 5-5-3 (W-L-T); 3-0-3 at home; T-10th place 
Penn FC: 4-4-6; 1-3-4 on road; T-10th place

From the Head Coach
Neill Collins on Marcel Schäfer's final appearance for the Rowdies
"
It will be very special for Marcel (Schäfer) as it will be his final match in his very decorated career. We’re always pulling for the three points, but these three points would be extremely special if we can get them for Marcel. He’s been a pleasure to play alongside and now coach. He’s the perfect example of what a footballer should be like. We’ll miss him after he leaves, so everyone has to enjoy every second left with him on the pitch.”

Rowdies Notes
This match will also mark Marcel Schäfer's final appearance with the club before heading back to VFL Wolfsburg. Schäfer will take on the role of the club's Sporting Director after being an active player of the Bundesliga club for more than a decade from 2007-2017.

With the 1-1 draw two weeks ago against Nashville SC, the Rowdies maintained their undefeated 3-0-3 home record and will look to defend it against Penn FC. The odds of remaining unbeaten at home seem to be in Tampa Bay's favor as Penn has picked up only one road win in eight matches away from Harrisburg.

The Rowdies executed a few player transactions this week. First, midfielder Jack Blake was sent on a season-long loan to Real Monarchs SLC in the USL’s Western Conference on Tuesday. Blake had made six appearances for the Rowdies in all competitions. On Wednesday, the Rowdies signed a pair of midfielders in Afrim Taku and Dominic Oduro. Taku most recently played for Skënderbeu Korçë in his native Albania. Oduro is a former member of the Manchester City Academy but most recently played for FC Golden State Force in the USL PDL.

  • Suspended: None
  • Injury Report: OUT: D David Najem (torn ACL, April 14)    
                                                  D Kyle Curinga (sprained ankle, May 12)
                                                  D Zac Portillos (left knee sprain, May 26)    
                                                  M Lance Rozeboom (right knee sprain, June 2)