The Richmond Kickers were on the road to face Tampa Bay Rowdies for the first time ever Saturday night. This is the Rowdies’ first year in USL, having spent their first seven seasons in the NASL. Tampa Bay has looked competitive so far this season, and the Kickers struggled to find their rhythm in the Florida humidity at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg.
Tampa Bay dominated with 70% possession on the evening. Richmond took a defensive posture, starting 4-4-1-1 formation with Alhaji Kamara starting up top after finding success last week. He made an impact during the first half: Richmond’s best chance came on a counterattack in the 37th minute as Conor Shanosky collected the ball in midfield and sent Fred Owusu Sekyere forward.