The Rowdies hadn't won a month, had not scored in their last three games and were in danger of possibly losing their place in the standings to rival Fort Lauderdale.

But seemingly headed to a third scoreless draw in their last four outings, the Rowdies broke out late and beat Fort Lauderdale 3-0.

With the win the Rowdies clinched a playoff spot. Four games remain in the regular season and Tampa Bay is very much in play for second place, which would mean a first-round bye. In fact Puerto Rico, which entered Saturday tied with Tampa Bay for second, lost 3-1 to Carolina.

Raphael Cox had the big goal, breaking the ice in the 78th minute deflecting in a Takuya Yamada header.

Another newcomer, Carl Cort, put things away with his goal in the 90th. In between Rowdies captain Frankie Sanfilippo finished a long run down the field to make it 2-0.

Tampa Bay was bound to break through as Fort Lauderdale played a man down after Michael Tetteh was given a red card for violent conduct less than 20 minutes in.

Fafa Picault had several chances late in the first half but could not convert.

With Puerto Rico falling the Rowdies sit at 39 points, three clear of the Islanders. Just two points behind them are both Carolina and Fort Lauderdale.

Tampa Bay hosts last-place Atlanta next week at Al Lang Stadium.