By all accounts Saturday’s match between FC Tampa Bay and the Carolina Railhawks was quite the stinker for the home crowd. Ricky Hill’s boys once again were tentative and could not finish their shots, giving up a season-worst 3 goals in the club’s first game without first-choice keeper Daryl Sattler. Sattler was lost for the season when he suffered an ACL tear against Atlanta on the April 30th. Jeff Attinella will continue to play in his stead for the remainder of the season.
While FC Tampa Bay is in the midst of a 4 game winless drought, Edmonton sit at third in the league with a 3-0-2 record. They have, however, allowed 3 more goals than they’ve scored (8 goals allowed, tied for most in the league) which suggests that with a couple of lucky bounces and some aggressive attacking play Tampa Bay may be able to score enough goals to pull out a victory tonight to improve to a nice, symmetrical 2-2-2.
Since FC Tampa Bay hasn’t won since the season opener, a victory tonight would be a huge boost to the team’s confidence which they’ll need for their next game in Ft. Lauderdale against the hated strikers and their virulent fans*
Also, if you're planning on going to the game, don't forget that tonight is 2-for-1 beer night. The promotion only lasts from 5:30 until 6:30 though, so get there early before the kegs are dry.
*This statement is scientifically and statistically accurate.