Morrell has mainly been a bench option for his home-state club because of its roster depth, but he was put into the starting fray against FC Cincinnati and played a heavy part in Tampa Bay’s strong first half.

Before factoring in the two first-half scores, Morrell gave Rowdies fans a sampling of what was to come with a wonderful individual display to create a 30th-minute chance that caromed off of the left post. Cole’s follow went directly to FCC goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt, and while it wasn’t the result the Rowdies wanted, the hosts kept at it. The moment was representative of the isolated attacking approach that Head Coach Stuart Campbell wanted from the likes of Morrell against Cincinnati.

“When the opportunity was there, especially with the two wide players, go and have a go,” Campbell said. “We spoke the whole week about really encouraging them about 1-v-1 scenarios, isolating them and attacking them, and tonight he did that.”

Morrell continued to lead the charge in the buildup of the opening goal, crossing from the right to set up Paterson for a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute. Then in the 44th minute, Morrell burst past two defenders from midfield to set up an initial shot on goal that Hildebrandt deflected away. Cole was there for the rebound and finished in the upper left corner for a 2-0 lead.

“He’s come off the bench a couple times where you’re seeing glimpses, and he thoroughly deserved this little run that he’s got,” Campbell said. “Tonight was a breakout game for him. It gives him the confidence and belief to go and build on that, which I know he will. He’s got real good character.”

“It was very important personally, and for the team,” Morrell said. “We needed a little spark, and I believe I brought what I could to the table, getting everything I could. The moment was great, but I won’t just sit here and soak in it, because we’ve got more games coming up.”