(NASL 2013 Fall) Tampa Bay Rowdies 0v0 New York Cosmos

Saturday 10th August 2013
Al Lang Stadium, St Petersburg   Attendance -  7,032

The Rowdies and the Cosmos renewed rivalries 3 decades on, although it is unlikely that this match will be remembered 30 years from now.

Both teams came into this clash having won their first match, and a large crowd packed out the Al Lang Stadium in anticipation, but had to settle for a goalless encounter.

The Cosmos had much the better of play, and wasted several opportunities in the first half to break the deadlock, but a combination of poor finishing, an inspired performance by Rowdies Keeper Restrepo and the woodwork kept the Cosmos out.

There was little sign of the Rowdies attack that hit 7 past San Antonio the previous week, as they created very little in the way of opportunities.

The Rowdies had a poor home record in the Spring Season, and struggled again in their home opener in the Fall Season, as their tactic of hitting long balls to target man Carl Cort brought little success.

Restrepo was called into action after only 15mins and did well to stop a goalbound header, and with 37 year old Senna pulling the strings in midfield, Cosmos continued to create chances.

Five minutes later, Rowdies survived a double scare as Nane's header struck a post and Ayoze went close from the rebound.

Restrepo almost gifted Cosmos the opener as his poor throw out struck a Cosmos player and fell invitingly to Noselli, but the Rowdies goal survived again as the striker dinked the ball wide of the mark.

In the closing minutes of the half, Mulholland gave the home fans something to cheer as his free kick went narrowly wide with the last real chance of the first half.

Cort was substituted at half time, but Rowdies struggled to get a grip on the game, although they did manage to restrict the number of chances presented to the visitors in the second half.

Restrepo was called into action again as Senna found space among a packed Rowdies defence, but once again the Keeper was up to the job.

As the game wore on in humid conditions, both sides had chances to grab a late winner. Restrepo managed to block an effort destined for the back of the net during a goalmouth scramble, and at the other end Rowdies were denied a goal against the run of play when substitute Barbara slipped the ball past Cosmos Keeper Reynish, only to be flagged offside.

Noselli also had  goal chalked off for offside as it became clear that both teams would have to settle for a point on this occasion.

In the last action of the game, Mulhlland was dismissed for picking up a 2nd yellow after kicking the ball away, which will rule him out of Rowdies next match, where they will hope to put on a better showing.