ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Louis Perez scored the only goal of the game as the Tampa Bay Rowdies took a 1-0 victory against New Mexico United at Isotopes Park on Wednesday night to maintain their undefeated start to the season and extend their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference to five points.
The Rowdies took the lead in just the fifth minute when Matheus Oliveira seized on a loose pass at the back by the hosts and slipped a pass to Perez before he was closed down by New Mexico goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena, allowing the French midfielder to finish past the covering defenders from the top of the penalty area. New Mexico had a chance to level in the 26th minute when Niall Reid-Stephen found Zico Bailey in the center of the penalty area only for Brian Schaefer to clear the ball from inside the six-yard area.
Tampa Bay had chances to add to its lead in the second half, including a header off a corner from the left by Pedro Dolabella that went wide of the right post. Evan Conway also went close off a header with 15 minutes to play, while New Mexico went close to a late equalizer only for Rowdies goalkeeper Jahmali Waite to make a good save on Greg Hurst to preserve the shutout and all three points for the visitors.
Takeaways
New Mexico United – The hosts suffered their first loss at home this season in league play as an early miscue opened up an opportunity the Rowdies capitalized on for the only goal of the game. United had more possession but was unable to find a clear-cut opportunity to get back into the game.
Tampa Bay Rowdies – The Rowdies made the most of their early opportunity to take the lead on the road as Louis Perez scored for a second consecutive game and from there ensured the hosts had few chances to pull level. Only 17.7 percent of the game was played in the Rowdies’ defensive third as the visitors remained undefeated this season.