Dirt could be a big factor for Rowdies at new field

The FC Tampa Bay Rowdies got to test their new home at Steinbrenner Field on Tuesday morning, the first of two sessions this week before their home opener against the Austin Aztex on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

The Rowdies limited Tuesday's practice to the outfield, but today they hope to hold a full-field scrimmage so the players can get used to the field's dimensions and in particular the area of infield dirt that will cover one of the corners of the field.

One player the dirt could affect most is left back Gordon Kljestan, who is available again after serving his one-game suspension. The dirt will cover most of the left defensive corner of the field, so the defender will need to adjust how he plays to make sure he keeps sure footing going from grass to dirt.

"I've definitely thought about it and definitely taken it into consideration," Kljestan said. "Hopefully (today) we'll play an 11-on-11 game where I can get used to the surface between the clay and the grass. I might even need to change my boots between the first and the second half."

The lushness of the field overall drew rave reviews from the players and Coach Paul Dalglish.

"It's brilliant. It's like Centre Court at Wimbledon," Dalglish said. "The field is incredible, it really is incredible. There's no complaints from the players. We really are privileged to be able to use it."

Finishing strong

While a 1-1-1 record entering their home opener is not quite what the Rowdies were hoping for, the team has maintained its intensity to the final whistle.

Against both NSC Minnesota and Miami FC, the Rowdies were by far the more aggressive side late. And with the hot Florida summer arriving during the past week, the team's fitness could make life difficult late in games.

"We've filled the tank for the season, now it's just a matter of topping it off," Dalglish said. "The hard work the guys have put in during the season, this is where we see the benefits."

Austin ascending

The Rowdies will want to open their home schedule with a win, but they will face a tough test from the Aztex (3-1-0).

Coach Adrian Heath's Aztex play a physical style, according to Dalglish, reminiscent of the club Heath played for at Everton. In fact, the diminutive Heath faced Dalglish's father, Kenny Dalglish, who played for rival Liverpool in the 1980s, giving a minor undercurrent to Saturday's game.

"'Inchy' Heath he was called at Everton," Paul Dalglish said. "It would be nice as a Liverpool fan to get one up on an old Evertonian."