FC Tampa Bay had a chance to bounce back from a rough loss Tuesday and a long-road trip on Saturday night against the Carolina Railhawks. However, a soft penalty call and headed shot gave the NASL’s leading club another win.
Takuya Yamada was called for a challenge in the penalty area in the second half, and Carolina was awarded a penalty kick. The NASL’s leading scorer Etienne Barbara would slot the shot in to give Carolina the 1-0 lead.
Moments after the game restarted, Carolina was able to get a chipped cross over FC Tampa Bay keeper Jeff Attinella just feet away from the goal. A Railhawk header would add to Carolina’s lead.
FC Tampa Bay would have an excellent chance after earning a free kick 25 yards out from the Carolina goal line. Midfielder Myozzi Gyorio drove the ball with vigor but it would ricochet off of the crossbar, and would be cleared harmlessly away by the Railhawk defense.
FC Tampa Bay would add a late goal on a penalty shot from Mike Ambersly, but it would be too little, too late to earn a point for Ricky Hill’s club.