Pre/In/Post-game: Puerto Rico Islanders @ FC Tampa Bay, 4/17 6:00pm EST

vs


Date: Sun April 17,2011
Time: 6:00 PM EST
Location: Al Lang Field, St. Pete, FL

and it's the first game for the Ponce De Leon Cup 2011.

Hope to see another good outing from the fans. This is the one game I have looked forward to the most in the off-season.

Everyone needs to be talking this one up. FCTB has a tough schedule to open this season and although a win on opening night was great, the team needs the crowds to keep coming. The more energy we bring to that building the better our shot at being at the top of the table when we enter the summer and the road swings.

Start crossing your fingers that the weather gods smile down on us again and that the buzz from Saturday night helps push ticket sales. Would be great to actually see an increase in attendance, although I'm bracing myself for a significant drop off just like last year. Hopefully that doesn't happen.

Well Iron Maiden is having a concert the same night, but my tickets will be used by somebody else.

I can't make Sunday games (yet, did I show you the pictures of the new house?). I hope the News 9 and ABC folks keep helping with positive news stories. The young lady was/is a soccer player and seemed to really want to go to the games. I think pushing the soccer tradition of fan cups and the Ponce De Leon Cup is a quirky angle they might like. It does add to the festive feel. Nice if the Mob could get a cup (a 'la Coastal Cup) to parade around since we did win it last year.

Spot on.

Hopes this ends up being a good match. Good luck to both sides.

PRI/FLS/TBR should seriously work together to make the ponce de leon cup a reality.

goal by el dominicano

the Boricua Islanders up 1-0

Halftime - 1-0 Tropa Naranja.....In case you're not watching the game, you can stream it free at http://www.fctampabay.com/live

Hard fought match so far. Good chances for both sides. Puerto Rico was able to capitalize on one of them. I don't expect anything different for the 2nd Half.

C'mon You ROWDIES!!!!

Frankie SanFilippo could/should have done better at the end of the 1st half

Wow, amateurish turnover by Tampa. Instant Islander goal. 2-0.

I must say that the scoreline is deceptive....I thought we played well. We just didn't have great finishing. It doesn't matter 'cause I still love you FC TAMPA BAY!!!

Good game guys. I think TB played somewhat better than PRI, but we just used our opportunities better.

I couldn't be at the game today, but Ralph's Mob sounded great on the radio feed!!! I believe the video stream of the match used the 1010 CBS Radio audio feed. I found myself chanting & singing along!

BTW, how was the attendance compared to last Saturday???

Attendance tonight in St Pete 2913

2,913 according to twitter

So, is the drop off in attendance due to the Sunday schedule? Or the location? How much is FCTB(R) marketing these games?

Does it hurt matters that the marketing can't use the Rowdies name? Maybe they should do TV/radio ads where the Rowdies name is used but bleeped out (but still recognizable); would be humorous....

"Come out to the game tonight and support FC Tampa Bay R*bleeeep*dies!"

i think the cause may be a little of everything right now.....I'm guessing the biggest reason is that we play in a league that doesn't have the same recognition as MLS, so it doesn't get much attention. Also, I think not having the Rowdies name is hurting any real potential of this club capturing the hearts of nostalgic fans still living in the TB Area, but I feel that if you're a Soccer fan, then you're a Soccer fan no matter what your club's name is. Hopefully all that will change, but it is what it is & we have to make due with what we've got.

This game showed by Gyorio, despite his skill on the ball, is not starting material (yet). When faced with actual professional opposition, he panics. He has the gentle first touch of a date rapist.

It was also a classic example of a sub not yet keyed into the speed of the game.

Regardless, I'm going to refrain from piling critism on to Gyorio when we should have had at least two goals before Gyorio entered the match. Our finishing is what alarmed me most about Sunday's match!

Good to find out that the Dom Rep does not only produce baseball players

My Father is from the Dominican Republic, so I second that emotion! I just wish they wouldn't score against my club!