Well, at least it's a two-game final.

Tampa Bay has an uphill battle after Saturday's 2-0 loss at Minnesota in the first game of a two-leg NASL Soccer Bowl to decide the league champion.

Conditions were cold and windy, not the best for the Rowdies who frankly would have been happy to get out with a tie. But those hopes changed when Minnesota's Amani Walker drilled a shot from 25 yards out that put his team up 1-0.

A one-goal deficit would have been manageable but unfortunately for the Rowdies, they gave up a last-second score by Minnesota off a corner kick.

With total goals in the two games deciding the champion, Tampa Bay must win by at least two next Saturday at Al Lang. If the Stars win, draw, or lose by one they'll be the champs for a second straight year.

If Tampa Bay wins by exactly two the teams will play 30 minutes of extra time to decide the champion, and if it stays even then penalty kicks will decide the winner.

Should the Rowdies manage a win by three or more they'll be straightaway the champs.

"We're down but we're not beaten," said Rowdies coach Ricky Hill after the game. "These things happen. Minnesota took two great goals. Now it's roll your sleeves up time."

Just before Walker's blast Rowdies goalie Jeff Attinella made two remarkable saves on a 3-on-2. With 25 minutes to try and make up the goal Tampa Bay never really got off a quality shot.