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British native Carl Cort is prepared to start his first, full NASL season with the Rowdies this year. Prior to signing with the Rowdies, Cort spent his younger days playing for several different Premier League clubs in England. Cort signed with the Rowdies half way through the season last year on August 10th, scoring key goals in important matches such as the second leg of the NASL Soccer Bowl Final. The 35-year-old superstar can’t wait for the season to start and hopes that the team will be just as successful as last year.

Cort experienced a calf injury last year in which he played through the finals with, and saw his first game action last night at Eckerd College after a facial fracture he experienced in training last week. However, after a recent practice he said, “It’s good to be back. I feel as good as I can be. I’ve got my calf sorted out and I’m feeling fresh.”

The 6’4 center forward does an excellent job of both winning balls in the air and holding the ball up. Head Coach Ricky Hill said, “Carl is a tremendous target man for us. When he’s on the field, it’s much better for the team because there is someone to play into consistently up front.”

Due to the experience that comes with a slightly older player that has also previously played in the Premier League, Hill commented, “Carl plays with a lot of understanding of the game and has a lot of appreciation for the game and his team. He holds the ball up very well and can occasionally occupy two or more defenders at a time, which creates more space and freedom for his teammates. “

The forward knows he plays an influential role in the Rowdies squad, but he knows that being fully fit is very important for the team’s success.

 “My goal for this year is to continue as I left off last season before I got injured,” stated Cort. “I was feeling good both physically and mentally and I have been working hard to regain my fitness level.”

More importantly though, he hopes that the team can regain the NASL Soccer Bowl, knowing that the Rowdies are more than capable of doing so. Cort is eager to get on the pitch and once again show why Tampa Bay deserves yet another championship title.