Takeaways
Tampa Bay Rowdies: The hosts kept their postseason hopes alive as Alex Méndez produced his best performance since joining the club mid-season, recording a goal and assist to lead the way.
Hartford Athletic: The visitors were unable to continue their six-game road winning streak but remained in control of a path to a top-four finish as they head to the final game of the regular season at Louisville City FC.
Key moment
Alex Méndez’s long-range strike early in the second half was his first goal for Tampa Bay and restored the two-goal lead the Rowdies had built previously, giving them breathing room against Hartford’s dangerous attack.
Key stat
Manuel Arteaga has scored in three consecutive home games for the Rowdies as they prepare to host Detroit City FC on the final day of the regular season.
USLChampionship.com Player of the Match
Alex Méndez, Tampa Bay Rowdies – Méndez’s first goal and third assist since joining the Rowdies paved the way to victory as he completed 23 of 26 passes overall and recorded three interceptions and four recoveries defensively.
Scoring Summary
TBR – Manuel Arteaga (Alex Mendez) 8’
TBR – Woobens Pacius (Paul Marie) 25’
HFD – Michee Ngalina (Jack Panayotou) 45+2’
TBR – Alex Mendez 56’
HFD – Michee Ngalina (Hadji Barry) 90+2’