SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (May 5, 2012) -- The San Antonio Scorpions won their first ever home game tonight at Heroes Stadium defeating Tampa Bay 2-0 in front of 9,536 fans. The Rowdies four game unbeaten streak was snapped with the result.
Rowdies goalkeeper Jeff Attinella kept the Scorpions off the board with back-to-back saves on scoring chances by Hans Denissen and Wes Knight in the sixth minute.
In the 35th minute Attinella stopped Denissen again with a great save on a breakaway. He then stopped Denissen again with a diving save to his left on another chance in the 37th minute. In the first six matches of the 2012 season, the Rowdies have yet to allow a goal in the first half.
Following a scoreless first half, San Antonio broke the tie early in the second half on a penalty kick. Forward Pablo Campos was fouled and the Scorpions were awarded a penalty kick, which Denissen converted in the 53rd minute for the first goal of the match.
"The first goal is always important in every game," said Rowdies head coach Ricky Hill. "It forced us to open up more and I am disappointed that we didn't keep our formation. It was a very frustrating loss tonight."
Aaron Pitchkolan gave the Scorpions an insurance goal in the 65th minute with a header to make it a 2-0 game. Ryan Cochrane picked up the assist on the goal.
"We allowed two goals that could have been avoided and we let Jeff down on both of them and gave him no chance," said Hill. "We have a long week ahead and we need to work hard to prepare to see them again next Saturday night."
Both teams face off again this upcoming Saturday, May 12th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm EDT at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersbrug, Florida.