News

MIAMI, Fla. (June 18, 2012) – Tampa Bay Rowdies forward Tsuyoshi Yoshitake  has been named the North American Soccer League Offensive Player of the Week, the league announced on Monday.

Yoshitake, who hails from Mie Prefecture, Japan, played a major role in Tampa Bay’s 2-1 victory at Minnesota Saturday night with a goal and an assist. Rowdies midfielder Keith Savage scored from 20 yards out in the 87th minute after a pass from Yoshitake as Tampa Bay came back from an early 1-0 deficit to hand Minnesota its first loss at home this season. Yoshitake had evened the game just before halftime as he chipped a shot around Stars goalkeeper Matt VanOekel after a failed clearance attempt for his second goal of the year to tie the match at 1-1.

“I am really pleased for Yoshi to be recognized with this honor,” said Rowdies head coach Ricky Hill. “It was his first game back after missing a few matches because of injury and we were obviously delighted to have him in the lineup. He is an extremely hard worker and was rightfully rewarded for his efforts.”

For the season, Yoshitake is tied for second on the team with two goals and his two assists are tied for the team lead. He has played in nine games with eight starts thus far this season.