Photo by Kendall Bulkiewicz | The Crow’s Nest
By Kendall Bulkiewicz
The Tampa Bay Rowdies suffered a 2-1 loss to Loudoun United FC on April 12 in their first match at Al Lang Stadium since September.
Forward Woobens Pacius found the back of the net for a third straight match, but Loudoun’s set of second-half goals proved the difference.
Interim head coach Steve Coleman made his sideline debut after being appointed earlier in the week and praised the fan turnout, calling the atmosphere “fantastic” despite the team’s recent struggles.
Goalkeeper Nicolas Campisi kept the match scoreless early with key saves, including a tip over the bar and a diving effort to stop a long-range shot from Zach Ryan. Wingback Pacifique Niyongabire created the Rowdies’ lone shot on target in the first half, moving through defenders and testing Loudoun keeper Huugo Fauroux, who denied him at the last second.
Loudoun took the lead in the second half after a foul on Rowdies captain Aaron Guillen gave Abdellatif Aboukoura a penalty. Wesley Leggett added a second goal after a Rowdies turnover.
Pacius cut the gap to one deep into the additional time, capitalizing on a midfield win from Endri Mustali and a sharp assist from Niyongabire to slam home a low shot past Fauroux. Coleman admitted the second goal “felt a little bit of a sucker punch” but remained hopeful, adding that the team’s final push showed signs of promise.
The Rowdies now look ahead to a U.S. Open Cup match on April 16 at FC Naples at 7 p.m., followed by a return to Al Lang on April 19 at 7:30 p.m. to take on Louisville City FC.
