The Week That Was:
The FC Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Tuesday the completion of a trade with Vancouver Whitecaps FC.  The Rowdies acquired midfielders Jonny Steele and Ricardo Sanchez from the Whitecaps in return for future considerations.  Steele played in 12 USSF D-II games for the Whitecaps and was the USL-1 MVP in 2008 while with the Puerto Rico Islanders.  Sanchez is the former captain of the U-17 Mexican national team and played in 13 USSF D-II games for Vancouver.

On the field, Steele played a full 90 minutes for FC Tampa Bay (6-7-5) on Thursday night against the Rochester Rhinos.  A 91st minute goal by Isaac Kissi was the difference in that game, leaving the Rowdies without three points.

A Sunday afternoon matchup with Miami FC yielded better results for the Rowdies.  Julian Valentin and Aaron King scored in a 2-0 victory over the Blues.  King’s goal made him FC Tampa Bay’s leading scorer with five goals this season.  The victory also lifted the Rowdies back into a playoff position and gave the team a lead in the Coastal Cup rivalry series.

The Week To Come:
After playing two games in four days, the team will get a few days off as they prepare for a visit from the Portland Timbers (7-5-5) on Saturday night, Mainsail Suites Hotel & Conference Center Title Night.  The Timbers defeated FC Tampa Bay 1-0 on June 27th and currently sit in third in the USL Conference with 26 points.

After serving a one-game suspension (accumulation of yellow cards) against Miami FC, midfielder Stanley Nyazamba becomes eligible once again for the game against Portland.