USL championship in the balance on ESPN
TAMPA, Fla. (BVM) — The United Soccer League (USL) has been in existence since 2011, but they’ve never had a championship game televised on ESPN’s main channel. With competition from other sports and the Major Soccer League (MLS), they’ve never drawn enough attention.
That dry spell will come to an end on Nov. 1, when the Tampa Bay Rowdies host the Phoenix Rising FC for the league title.
As the USL continues to grow, it is becoming one of the most popular soccer leagues in the world. Since its inaugural season, the league has reached more than 84 million viewers and contributed immensely to the growth of the game in America.
Now the league will get some national recognition as both the Rowdies and Rising FC pursue their first ever league crown.
Tampa Bay Rowdies (10-3-3)
This will be the Rowdies’ first championship appearance since entering the league in 2017, and it comes by way of upset. They knocked off perennial power Louisville City FC, who was eyeing up a fourth consecutive trip to the league championship.
The team has been led this season by the strong form of Sebastian Guenzatti, a Uruguayan midfielder. Originating from Montevideo, Uruguay, Guenzatti began his career for the club team Huracan but has been in America since 2013. Before joining the Rowdies, he played for the New York Cosmos of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), winning one championship with the team.
This season for Tampa Bay, the attacker has netted a team-leading 10 goals on 33 shots. He has also contributed two assists and created 17 chances, providing a bulk of their offensive onslaught.
Another high-level club member is Leo Fernandes, who has been the perfect midfield compliment to Guenzatti. Born in Brazil but raised in New York, Fernandes has played his whole career in the United States, where he now has a key role for the Rowdies.
His balanced numbers of five goals and three assists have helped to pace their attack this year.
But the Rowdies’ defense has been its strong suit. In 19 games, they’ve put together eight clean sheets and have allowed the second-fewest goals all year long at 14. Goalkeeper Evan Louro has put up 34 saves.
Phoenix Rising FC (11-3-2)
While the Rowdies have a balanced attack of solid offense and defense, the Rising FC are known for their elite offense. Their up-tempo offense has scored the second-most goals this season, putting in 47 goals through 19 games.
Their big three of Junior Flemmings, Rufat Dadashov and Solomon Asante have scored 14, 11 and 8 goals, respectively.
All three players are well-established in the soccer world, as they all play on their home nation’s national team. Flemmings plays for team Jamaica, Dadashov is a member of the Azerbaijan national team, and Asante competes for both Burkina-Faso and Ghana.
Many of those goals have come from Asante assists, as he has dished out nine of them. But their other facilitator has been Spanish forward Santi Moar, who has racked up eight himself.
In terms of defense, the Rising FC are more vulnerable there. Throughout the USL, they land in the middle of the pack for goals allowed. Their goaltender Zac Lubin has put up 46 saves and five clean sheets, but their defense as a whole has allowed many more opportunities for opposing offenses.
Conclusion
With both teams hungry for their first USL championship trophy, this should be a great one for soccer fans to feast their eyes on. In a league that has been rapidly growing in terms of both soccer talent and fans, this ESPN showcased game should do wonders for its continued growth.