The Tampa Bay Rowdies defeated FC Edmonton 1-0 in the 2012 Home Opener at Al Lang Stadium on Saturday night. 

 

Defender Takuya Yamada scored in the 20th minute after a pass from defender Andres Arango for the lone goal. Yamada's goal marked the second straight season that he notched the game-winner in the home opener, following his goal in the 85th minute in last season's 1-0 over Montreal on April 9.

FC Edmontonhad its fair share of chances in the first half. It was Serisay Barthélémy who tested the Rowdies keeper first with a strike just inside the 18-yard box. Then a header from Paul Hamilton was cleared off the line after corner from Shaun Saiko.

The half ended 1-0 for the Rowdies and both teams headed into the dressing room still searching for their first three points of the season.

The second half started off with the Tampa Bay Rowdies looking to double their lead early. But it was FC Edmonton that came out as the most improved side.

With sustained bouts of pressure, the Eddies looked for an equalizer as they began to run riot in the midfield. They found even more attack when they brought on forward Alex Semenets for defender Fabrice Lassonde.

Barthélémy had another great chance for the Eddies when he just missed a cross from Matt Lam. Kyle Porter was also unfortunate to have his effort deflected out for a corner at the last moment. Misiewicz continued to keep the goal deficient down to one by standing strong between the posts.

The last 15 minutes of the match really saw the Eddies come together as they pushed for that goal. The Rowdies defended well and the game ended with a fury of FC Edmonton attacks and Tampa Bay absorbing the pressure.

Rowdies goalkeeper Jeff Attinella made eight saves to earn the shutout.