Tampa Bay Rowdies Away Draw with Lexington Review
Written by James Knowles
Date: Saturday May 24, 2025
Result: Tampa Bay 1-1 Lexington SC
Records: Tampa Bay Rowdies (4 pts 1W-2D-7L); Lexington SC (8 pts 1W-5D-5L)
Standings: The Rowdies are 12th in the East and Lexington are 12th in the West.
After a couple of rough months on the field, the Rowdies ultimately staunched the bleeding and earned their first point since May 3rd. After giving up a first half goal, the team was able to respond and draw level in the second half. Progress is progress, and the fact the boys fought their way back into this one is a good sign. With some changes to the formation and lineup, it may bode well for the immediate future - and potentially beyond that.
A draw is better than a loss, right?
May has just not been the best month for Rowdies fans. With one game left to go - against a lower division side - there’s good reason to believe it could end on a high note. But, before that could happen, the Green and Gold needed to remind themselves who they are. They are one of the top clubs in the USL Championship. They’ll get back there eventually.
The first step the team took to change things up was to literally change things up. After playing the last few weeks with four at the back, manager Steve Coleman switched to a three-at-the-back formation, putting Aaron Guillen, Forrest Lasso, and Robert Castellanos in a line. Blake Bodily took up the left wing back position, while Leo Fernandes was out on the right.
If that sounds weird, you’re not entirely wrong, dear reader. However, we should note that Leo played as the left wing back position around the Covid years - and to good effect as well. He was moved into the #10 spot and went on to win a league MVP trophy afterwards. There’s good reason to want to see him more central and attacking; but, sometimes need is stronger than desire.
Fernandes had his hands full all night marking Nigerian winger Michael Adedokun. On loan from CF Montreal in MLS, the youngster was dangerous all night. He should’ve scored once or twice if not for what seemed like a rush of blood to the head. Nick Moon, the more natural option as a right wing back, came off the bench in the second half. His minutes are still being managed, it seems.
The first goal was not particularly remarkable from a Lexington point of view. After winning possession back in the defensive end, Rowdies left back Aaron Guillen then gave the ball away cheaply. The back line failed to react quickly, while Marcus Epps and Forster Ajago for the home side made runs in behind them. A chipped ball found the duo, who worked it past Ethan Bandre in net.
Frequently, Tampa Bay have struggled after giving up the lead. They have conceded and then conceded again immediately multiple times in of late. To see them avoid that fate was positive. In the second half, they did one better, going on to score off a corner kick. Leo’s ball in was exquisite; but, Manuel Arteaga’s finish was also good. You could see how much it meant to get his first league goal all year.
The Rowdies rode their luck at times, with multiple good chances for Lexington to double or retake the lead. Around the 65th minute, the hosts hit the post. The ever-dangerous Adedokun could’ve scored before that - if he’d maintained his composure in front of goal. Perhaps missed chances like that are why they’re in the position they’re in out West.
Of course, soccer is partly a game of luck. Yes, you need to be able to put the ball in roughly the same spot over and over to make it to a high level. But, thin margins mean shots off the post and blasting it high from the six yard box are extremely consequential. These misses from Lexington were the difference between one point and three - or one and zero from Tampa Bay's perspective.
The team is due some such luck, though, after so many things going against them. The bad calls, the injuries, the three shots from outside the box all going in last weekend? When it rains, it pours, they say. Eventually, the storm has to abate, though. This doesn't mean next week will be a win and, after that, everything will click. Small steps are - hopefully - just the start.
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