FENTON, Mo. (March 23, 2019) -- The Tampa Bay Rowdies split the points with Saint Louis FC after an early-season showdown between unbeaten sides ended in a 1-1 draw.

Tampa Bay (2-0-1, 7 points) needed a Sebastian Guenzatti penalty kick in the 75th minute leave Missouri with a point after Saint Louis defender Sam Fink scored off a set piece midway through the first half.

Fink's goal was the first one conceded by the Rowdies all season. Lewis Hilton's free kick from the right channel was perfectly-placed, with Fink heading it past Tampa Bay goalkeeper John McCarthy for the only goal of the first half. 

The Rowdies played well after falling behind, with scoring chances in the 31st, 39th and 44th minutes.

The second half opened the same way the first half ended, with the Rowdies on the front foot. Sebastian Guenzatti forced a save in the 47th minute with a rocket of a shot from his right foot.

Tampa Bay continued chasing the match and caught a break in the 74th minute when Fink committed a clear hand ball, giving the Rowdies a chance to level the match from the penalty spot.

Guenzatti stepped to the spot and take a perfect penalty, scoring his second goal of the season. He also scored from the spot on opening weekend.

Once the match was level, the Rowdies continued to press hard for a winner, but ultimately didn't create enough danger. 

Saint Louis FC (2-0-1, 7 points) had a few chances in the final minutes of the match, particularly in the seventh minute of added time off a corner, but McCarthy made the save with the last touch of the match.

Up next, the Rowdies return home to open a three-game homestand against Loudoun United FC on Saturday, March 30. Tickets are available by calling (727) 222-2000 or by clicking here. 

The Basics
Saint Louis FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
Saturday, March 23, 2 p.m. ET
Toyota Stadium, Fenton, Missouri
Follow us for live updates on Twitter at @RowdiesGameday

How to Watch
The match will be broadcast online on ESPN+ here. International viewers can watch the match here.

Starting Lineups
Rowdies XI (3-5-2): GK John McCarthy; D Mohamed Kone (Antoine Hoppenot 64'), Pape Diakite, Tarek Morad; M Caleb Richards, Zach Steinberger, Dom Oduro, Yann Ekra, Leo Fernandes; F Sebastian Guenzatti (c) (Leon Taylor 88'), Brandon Allen (Juan Tejada 60')

Saint Louis XI (4-4-2): GK Jake Fenlason, D Paris Gee, Phanuel Kavita, Sam Fink (c), Bradley Kamdem Fewo; M Kadeem Dacres (Austin Jepson 85'), Lewis Hilton, Oscar Umar (Guy Abend 30'), Russell Cicerone; F Caleb Calvert (Kyle Greig 72'), Albert Dikwa

Scoring Summary
Saint Louis: Sam Fink - 26th minute (assisted by Lewis Hilton)
Tampa Bay: Sebastian Guenzatti - 75th minute (penalty kick)

Caution Summary
Saint Louis: Kadeem Dacres - 22nd minute
Tampa Bay: Pape Diakite - 63rd minute
Tampa Bay: Tarek Morad - 73rd minute