The Scorpions are looking to make their new and impressive home a fortress, making it difficult for any opposing team to come away with points. The Scorpions see it as a key to take advantage of their home games by collecting all three points, and it starts this Saturday.
San Antonio is fresh off of earning a difficult point in Minnesota in their 2012 NASL season opener, after drawing United FC 0-0. Both teams had multiple attacking chances, and along with great saves from each keeper, the crossbar helped keep both teams level throughout the game. The Scorpions look at the result as more of a positive by being able to come away with a point on the road, but they will be looking to capitalize on the expected capacity crowd at Toyota Field on Saturday by taking all three points and not looking back.
Tampa Bay presents a stern challenge. The 2012 NASL Champions are coming off a 0-0 draw with the Carolina Railhawks, although the Rowdies were probably unlucky not to win. Tampa Bay will look to continue their successful attacking against the Scorpions. Look for the Rowdies to bombard the Scorpions penalty box all game, forcing the San Antonio defenders to be on their toes at all times.
What: San Antonio Scorpions and Tampa Bay Rowdies open Toyota Field
When: Saturday, April 13th at 7:30 pm
Where: Toyota Field San Antonio, TX
Storyline: The Scorpions will open America’s newest soccer specific stadium this Saturday in front of a packed house. The 2012 regular season champion Scorpions wild take on the 2012 playoff champion Rowdies in the opening game.
Key Players: Luka Vucko, Greg Janicki - The Scorpions’ pair of central defenders will need to be on their game to deal with the heavy amount of passes into the box that Tampa Bay delivers. The Rowdies led the league in shots this weekend, and the defensive pair will need to be at their best to block shots and head away dangerous crosses.
Wild Card: Nikola Vasilic – The Serbian center forward came on as a second half substitute in Minnesota and caused some disturbances for the United defenders, registering one shot on target that was well saved by Daryl Sattler. If Vasilic doesn’t start, look for him to be a potential game changer off the bench.
Up Next: The Scorpions will travel north of the border to take on Canadian side, FC Edmonton. The Eddies drew their first game with Fort Lauderdale 1-1 and take on the Carolina Railhawks this weekend.
