Saturday, June 1, 2013
PLANT CITY, Fla. -- VSI Tampa Bay FC and the Portland Timbers Reserves played to a 4-4 draw after both teams weathered the first day of hurricane season in typical Florida style, waiting patiently through the lightning delays for kickoff. Tampa Bay held a 4-1 halftime lead, but the Timbers Reserves rallied in the second half to earn a point, Sal Zizzo scoring the game-tying goal from the penalty spot with just over 20 minutes to play.
After a delayed warm-up, VSI kicked off nearly an hour later than originally intended, but the hosts were able to take the lead quickly as Andriy Budnyy gave Tampa Bay the lead in the opening minute. The Timbers Reserves retaliated quickly, bouncing back in the first five minutes with a goal from midfielder Michael Nanchoff.
Budnyy restored Tampa Bay's lead in the 15th minute as he fired another goal home off an assist from midfielder J.T. Noone. Thre minutes later, Shawn Chin clipped another one in, making it 3-1 inside the first 20 minutes. Tampa Bay capped an impressive half with a fourth goal by Douglas Dos Santos, who finished off his own rebound after Timbers Reserves goalkeeper Jake Gleeson had saved his initial effort.
As the second half began, so did the Timbers Reserves’ comeback. Sebastien Rincon initiated the rally in the 47th minute as he drove home a fine finish from 25 yards into the top-right corner of the net. Jose Valencia pulled Portland within a goal in the 56th minute, and 12 minutes later the Timbers Reserves were awarded a penalty kick. Zizzo sent his shot into the left corner of the net, but the referee called for a re-take after one of the Timbers Reserves had encroached on the penalty area too soon. Zizzo remained calm on the retake, however, pulling his side level.
Both teams had chances to take the lead in the final 20 minutes, Alex Horwath making a reflex save to deny a point-blank header shortly after the penalty. Budnyy had an opportunity to complete his hat trick with just over 10 minutes to go, but his shot was turned behind for a corner by Gleeson as the two teams shared the points.
VSI Tampa Bay FC remains at home for its next outing as it faces Antigua Barracuda FC on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. ET at Plant City Stadium.