MLS: Mutiny ties Czech team in first preseason match

The Tampa Bay Mutiny drew 1-1 with SSK Vitkovice of the Czech Second Division in its opening preseason match in Brandon Fla. on Jan. 25.

Mutiny forward Giuseppe Galderisi opened the scoring in the third minute, converting a pass from Ivan McKinley. Former Czech national team star Ivo Stas equalized for Vitkovice in the 70th minute on a header off a corner kick.

It was the first game for new Mutiny head coach John Kowalski, who was pleased with what he saw.

“It was a very good early test for us,” he said. “We are in the process of changing our style of play. Some things that we worked on during the week we were able to execute. Some things we still need to work on.”

Tampa Bay used 13 players, including defender Mike DuHaney and forward Peter Hattrup, both of whom are recovering from major knee injuries. The game also marked the debut of Uruguayan Diego Viera on defense. He played the full 90 minutes as a central defender after spending last season at forward.