ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Alex Méndez recorded a goal and assist to lead the Tampa Bay Rowdies to a 3-2 victory against Hartford Athletic at Al Lang Stadium to keep the hosts alive in the race for the 2025 USL Championship Playoffs going to the final game of the regular season.

The Rowdies took the lead in just the eighth minute when a long pass over the top by Méndez sent Manuel Arteaga into space from where the Venezuelan forward bagged his ninth goal of the season. Woobens Pacius then added his 13th goal of the season in the 25th minute, shooting home from the top of the penalty area.

Hartford hit back in first-half stoppage time when Michee Ngalina was left unmarked and tapped home from close range off a feed by Jack Panayotou, but Tampa Bay restored its two-goal lead 11 minutes into the second half as Méndez produced a screamer from 30 yards that clipped the inside of the left post and caromed into the back of the net. Ngalina struck again in stoppage time for Athletic, but the Rowdies were able to see out the remaining minutes to earn a crucial three points.

Takeaways

Tampa Bay Rowdies: The hosts kept their postseason hopes alive as Alex Méndez produced his best performance since joining the club mid-season, recording a goal and assist to lead the way.

Hartford Athletic: The visitors were unable to continue their six-game road winning streak but remained in control of a path to a top-four finish as they head to the final game of the regular season at Louisville City FC.

Key moment

Alex Méndez’s long-range strike early in the second half was his first goal for Tampa Bay and restored the two-goal lead the Rowdies had built previously, giving them breathing room against Hartford’s dangerous attack.

Key stat

Manuel Arteaga has scored in three consecutive home games for the Rowdies as they prepare to host Detroit City FC on the final day of the regular season.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Match

Alex Méndez, Tampa Bay Rowdies – Méndez’s first goal and third assist since joining the Rowdies paved the way to victory as he completed 23 of 26 passes overall and recorded three interceptions and four recoveries defensively.

Scoring Summary
TBR – Manuel Arteaga (Alex Mendez) 8’
TBR – Woobens Pacius (Paul Marie) 25’
HFD – Michee Ngalina (Jack Panayotou) 45+2’
TBR – Alex Mendez 56’
HFD – Michee Ngalina (Hadji Barry) 90+2’