VSI Tampa Bay FC News Release -- www.vsi-fc.com
Thursday, August 1, 2013
TAMPA, Fla. – VSI Tampa Bay FC’s inaugural season is drawing to a close with two of their final three home games this weekend at Plant City Stadium against Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Friday night and Orlando City SC on Sunday evening.
After a wonderful showing on the road last weekend, with a 2-1 victory over Wilmington and a scoreless draw against the league-leading Richmond Kickers, Tampa Bay returns to Plant City Stadium with four hard-earned points from their road trip. Defender Josh Rife and forward Chad Burt lifted VSI past Wilmington last Friday with a goal apiece. The Kickers’ goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra, on loan from D.C. United, recorded his eighth shutout of the season in Sunday’s match against VSI, keeping the Kickers undefeated for the season. VSI’s Alex Horwath delivered an exceptional performance, also earning a clean sheet for the match and his sixth shutout of the season.
The Riverhounds (7-6-7) seek points this weekend to move them into playoff contention. Pittsburgh, with 28 points in 20 games, is a mere three points shy of Tampa Bay (9-7-4), which currently holds the eighth and final playoff spot in the USL PRO Standings. Pittsburgh’s Jose Angulo aided in the Riverhounds’ most recent victory as they defeated the Toronto FC Reserves by a 1-0 margin. Angulo is a player to watch on the Riverhounds side. The forward leads with 27 points from his 12 goals and three assists.
After Friday evening’s match, Pittsburgh travels to the Citrus Bowl to face Orlando City SC on Saturday evening. Following the Riverhounds departure from the Citrus Bowl, Orlando City travel to Plant City Stadium. The back-to-back matches may prove positive for VSI Tampa Bay when they host Orlando City at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday night. Orlando City (12-2-6) holds second place in the USL PRO standings with 42 points earned in 20 games.
With five games in the next 10 days, points are crucial for VSI Tampa Bay FC to solidify a place in USL PRO playoffs. Tickets to all VSI Tampa Bay FC home games are available online at www.vsi-fc.com or by visiting the Will Call ticket window in Plant City Stadium on game days. The ticket window opens an hour and half prior to kickoff. For more information on the team visit www.vsi-fc.com.