The Essentials

Tampa Bay Rowdies (11 pts Fall, 30 pts Combined) host San Antonio Scorpions (13 pts Fall, 25 pts Combined)

Al Lang Stadium, Saturday 7:30 p.m. ET

Grab tickets here or by calling 727-222-2000

Watch the action locally on Great 38TV or online through ESPN3

Scouting the Scorpions

Let’s cut to the chase. Everyone and their mother knows the Scorpions look to burn opponents on the counter attack. They managed to do it to the Rowdies three times in the earlier Fall Season encounter, likely taking the first serious chunk out of the facade that crumbled completely when Thomas Rongen was fired in August. Omar Cummings was a thorn in the Rowdies side that day and is currently second in the NASL in goals scored. Cummings has not scored in the clubs last six games, but a player with his experience and pace is always a threat in this league.

Midfielder Billy Forbes is a major reason why Cummings and the entire Scorpions attack are so lethal on the counter. The Turks and Caicos international is third in the league in assists with seven, including last week’s superb delivery from the flank to split two defenders and set up Rafael Castillo for his second. Shut Forbes down and you have a much better chance at grabbing a result against San Antonio.

The Scorpions have excelled in a much more dubious statistical category. San Antonio leads the way in the NASL with nine red cards. Midfielder Cesar Elizondo was the most recent offender and as a result will be unavailable for Saturday’s match. The Rowdies have been on good behavior in the Fall Season, evidenced by the fact that they’re tied for second fewest yellow cards in the fall (17) and have yet to pick up a red card. Scorpions’ matches have a tendency to escalate, though, so the Rowdies will need to maintain that discipline.

While San Antonio has been scraping every week to remain relevant in the postseason chase, they may have uncovered a gem in keeper Daniel Fernandes. The 31-year-old keeper joined on loan from Dutch side FC Twente in August and has been stellar in all six of his starts. Fernandes has allowed only six goals so far, and has already recorded three clean sheets.

What to Watch For

The Rowdies are officially chasing for a playoff spot. The Fort Lauderdale Strikers won their game in hand on Wednesday against Jacksonville (all but clinching their second straight Coastal Cup) to move into the final playoff spot with a one point lead over the Rowdies. The historic rivals each have only eight games remaining, meaning that for the first time in a long time the Rowdies playoff destiny is out of their hands. They have to count on the Strikers stumbling at some point down the final stretch.

Shots. Take them. Preferably a lot. Last week the Rowdies only mustered one shot on frame (two if you count the chance where Guerra was denied by the post from distance). More importantly, though, Edmonton’s keeper was only forced to make one save. San Antonio’s back line can be physical but, with 37 goals allowed this year, they are clearly vulnerable.. Dangerous chances will come if the Rowdies can duplicate the possession from last week’s second half, and they need to be ready to take advantage.

Getting the wings more involved is a must. Forwards Georgi Hristov and Brian Shriver were mostly absent last week, even while the Rowdies were enjoying sustained possession for long stretches. The return of Darnell King to the lineup should be a boon to the cause. The insertion of Freddy Adu might also aid the flow from the midfield to the forwards when moving forward. Adu may not be fit enough for a start, but a showing off the bench could be in the cards.

Omar Salgado is also another x-factor for Tampa Bay. Maicon Santos is presumably out for an extended period and the club desperately needs a forward with some physicality to diversify the attack. Like Adu, Salgado has resumed full training after his injury issues and should be available for selection if Stuart Campbell sees a use for him.

IMAGE, TAMPA BAY ROWDIES