Rowdies reap revenge on Islanders, move up in standings

click to enlarge Rowdies forward Matt Clare fires a left-footed shot on goal in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico last Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg. - MATT MAY/TAMPA BAY ROWDIES
MATT MAY/TAMPA BAY ROWDIES
Rowdies forward Matt Clare fires a left-footed shot on goal in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico last Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg.

click to enlarge Rowdies forward Matt Clare fires a left-footed shot on goal in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico last Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg. - MATT MAY/TAMPA BAY ROWDIES
MATT MAY/TAMPA BAY ROWDIES
Rowdies forward Matt Clare fires a left-footed shot on goal in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico last Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg.
  • MATT MAY/TAMPA BAY ROWDIES
  • Rowdies forward Matt Clare fires a left-footed shot on goal in Tampa Bay’s 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico last Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg.

Tampa Bay captain Frankie Sanfilippo admitted his eyes grew quite wide when a lofted crossing pass from Mike Ambersely filtered towards him in front of Puerto Rico’s goal in Saturday night’s contest won by the Rowdies.

Who could blame him? The Rowdies defender hadn’t tallied a score this season and Tampa Bay had a plethora of opportunities up to that point in the second half.