ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies began the day uncertain of even hosting a postseason contest at Al Lang Stadium when the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs arrive.

By the end of Saturday night’s 1-0 victory against the Charlotte Independence, the path to second place in the Eastern Conference had suddenly opened wide.

“Huge three points,” said Rowdies defender Hunter Gorskie. “No matter what we wanted to get a win at home after being away for so long. We knew it was going to be tough because they’re a good team, but we had to get it done no matter what.”

Gorskie’s goal, his second in three games since joining the club in August, paved the way to victory for the Rowdies. Denied moments earlier by a goal-line clearance by the Independence, Gorskie’s volleyed finish off the ensuing corner kick just crossed the line before Charlotte goalkeeper Cody Mizell – a former Rowdie himself – could punch the ball to safety.