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After much protest by the Rowdies, Ameobi stepped up to take the spot kick in the 95th minute of the contest, a minute beyond the original added time allotted in the game.

Pickens guessed correctly and was able to smother Ameobi’s shot to bring the contest to an end.

“If he scores that, he’s a hero, if he doesn’t then it’s a disappointment for the lad,” Miller said. “Anyone who goes up to take a penalty does well just to step up. I think the big fellow is hurting as much as I am right now, but I’m sure he’ll get his opportunity again and he’ll score a goal on the next one.”

While Ameobi squandered FC Edmonton’s best chance to score their first goal of the season, he wasn’t the only player left wanting in front of the Rowdies’ net.

Early on, midfielder Jake Keegan went in alone on goal after a fortunate ricochet at the top of the Rowdies penalty area, but was unable to chip the ball over Pickens.

Daryl Fordyce clipped the top of the wall with a free kick from just outside of the penalty area and had his shot just go over the net later in the half.

In the second half, defender Eddie Edwards sent a low cross through the heart of the Tampa penalty area, which was failed to be put away.

At the other end, Edmonton absorbed a lot of pressure, but outside of Heinemann’s goal and an excellent opportunity at the end of the first half, the Rowdies were kept at bay.

“I was disappointed with the amount of chances Minnesota created against us last week (2-0 loss),” Miller said. “So we made a conscience effort, we changed the system a wee bit and put players into different areas. Youngster (midfielder) Shamit Shome played his first professional game here and I thought he was terrific. I thought he was terrific and he gave a us a very good 75 minutes.