Joe Cole’s Stupendous Bicycle-Kick Goal Sparks Rowdies

Photo credit: Scott Miller/Tampa Bay Rowdies

Tampa Bay pocketed its first three points of the Fall Season, defeating Puerto Rico FC, 3-0, at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Saturday night.

The English star Joe Cole scored a sensational goal in the 10th minute after a throw-in from the right flank. The ball glanced off a Puerto Rico FC (0-2-2, 2) defender in the penalty area and then the Tampa Bay (1-1-1, 4) midfielder connected on a bicycle kick that sailed over the outstretched hand of goalkeeper David Meves. Eric Avila made it 2-0 in the 25th minute on a right-footed shot from distance that sailed into the upper 90. Tom Heinemann added a goal for the Rowdies in second half injury time.

Puerto Rico FC completed a difficult three-game road trip that began with a loss at Jacksonville, a draw at Rayo OKC after leading 2-0 late, and the loss to the Rowdies.

For more details on the game, visit rowdiessoccer.com and puertoricofc.com.