Joe Cole's Strike Stands As Winner In Florida Derby

Photo credit: Matt May/Tampa Bay Rowdies

Matt Pickens made two crucial saves to preserve the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ 2-1 victory over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Al Lang Stadium on Saturday night.

Joe Cole’s searching diagonal cross found Keith Savage at the far post and Savage smashed a left-footed shot over Fort Lauderdale (1-1-5, 4) goalkeeper Bruno to give Tampa Bay (2-2-3, 8) the lead in the 50th minute. Cole scored the fourth goal of his NASL career, doubling the lead in the 58th minute. Georgi Hristov picked up the assist after cutting a pass back from the end line to Cole.

Fort Lauderdale pulled one back when Jose Angulo converted a pass from Manny Gonzalez in the 71st minute. The Strikers had a golden opportunity to tie the match five minutes later, but Pickens saved Adrianinho’s attempt from the penalty spot. Pickens then made a reflex save on Angulo late in the match to save the three points for the Rowdies.

For more information on the game, head over to strikers.com and rowdiessoccer.com.