JOE COLE KEEPS UP WITH IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE FOR TAMPA BAY ROWDIES

Former Coventry City star Joe Cole remains impressive for Tampa Bay Rowdies since his move last month to the club.

The American club defeated Ottawa Fury FC 2-1 on Saturday in a game that is the final at home in the NASL Spring Season. Joe Cole produced an impressive performance for the team managed by Stuart Campbell. Cole scored one of the goals set up another in the 2-0 win at Minnesota United FC 2-0 to earn the NASL Player of the Week award. When he was receiving the award, he said:

“It’s great to receive this recognition. It’s been a good start for me here. It’s been difficult because of the travel and climate, but Coach Campbell and my teammates have been brilliant with me. It was great for us to get the win and I’m very happy to contribute however I can.”

In the match against Ottawa, he was in the thick of the action and he provided the required assist that set up the Georgi Hristov’s second-half winner. Hristov already set up the first goal in the 20th minute when he chipped the ball over Fury FC goalkeeper Romuald Peiser. Fury scored three minutes after the break to draw level as Carl Howarth pounced on Mauro Eustaquio’s rebounded shot.

Cole was impressive dribbling past the opposition before setting up his team mate for the match winner. He had the chance to add one more before the game was wrapped up but was blocked by the right-back of the Ottawa team, Lance Rozeboom. The results ensured they moved up the standings.

Cole started his career at West Ham before joining Chelsea. He was impressive in the middle for Premier League giant before moving to Liverpool in 2010. From playing for The Reds, he joined French outfit LOSC Lille on loan but returned to England to rejoin his team mates at Anfield. He has also played for Aston Villa before his move to Conventry City. He joined his current club on a deal set to run through to the end of the 2017 season, with a club option for 2018.