Tampa Bay Rowdies Forward Georgi Hristov is Named NASL Player of the Week
Georgi Hristov of Tampa Bay Rowdies is named NASL Player of the Week after scoring two goals in a 2-1 win over Ottawa Fury FC. The Bulgarian international also scored a game-winner against USL side FC Cincinnati in the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at home on Wednesday night.
Soccer News: One of the North American Soccer League (NASL) clubs making a late push in the Spring Season Championship Race is the Tampa Bay Rowdies, who won their second straight league game on Saturday to move up to third place. Bulgarian forward Georgi Hristov scored both goals in the 2-1 win over Ottawa Fury FC – a performance that has netted him NASL Player of the Week honors.
“I’m very happy to be named Player of the Week, but I accept the award on behalf of all the Tampa Bay Rowdies,” Hristov said. “This is an individual award, but you can’t win it without a lot of help from your teammates, so I’m very happy that we’ve all received this recognition together. I’m very thankful to my teammates for this award.”
Hristov, 31, followed up his midweek game-winner against USL side FC Cincinnati in the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a pair of crucial goals against visiting Ottawa. He opened the scoring in the 20th minute, taking a pass from midfielder Kalif Alhassan and chipping a shot past Fury FC goalkeeper Romuald Peiser.
After Ottawa equalized four minutes into the second half, Hristov answered with what would prove to be the game-winner in the 52nd minute. He followed up some nice work in the midfield from Joe Cole with a tidy finish low into the net to restore the Rowdies’ lead and eventually earn them three points.
“I’m absolutely delighted for Georgi because he played really well this week to score three goals and help us win games in both the Open Cup and the NASL,” said Rowdies head coach Stuart Campbell. “I’m happy that the team is getting recognition for our performances with back-to-back Player of the Week awards. All of the players are working hard and helping our team earn positive results.”
The win over Ottawa was Tampa Bay’s third straight overall and second in the league. Campbell’s side has taken 10 points from its last five NASL games after coming away with just four from its opening four. With 15 points, the Rowdies are one of three clubs chasing the New York Cosmos for the Spring Season Championship going into the final weekend. The Rowdies, Indy Eleven, and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers are all three points back from the Cosmos, who have finished their Spring Season schedule, but some big victories are needed in Week 11 if New York is going to be pushed for the trophy.
Hristov is in his fourth season with Tampa Bay, having signed with the club prior to the 2013 season. The winner of the league’s Golden Boot (MVP) award in 2013, Hristov has remained a fixture in the Rowdies’ attack. He has three league goals to his name this year to go along with the one he scored in Cup action.
Tampa Bay has claimed the last two Player of the Week awards. Cole was given the honor for his role in the Rowdies’ recent 2-0 road win over Minnesota United.
The Rowdies visit their neighbors, Jacksonville Armada FC, this Saturday to close out the Spring Season. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET, and the game can be seen live on ONE World Sports.
Source/Photo Credit: North American Soccer League
