NASL Tampa Bay Rowdies

Raphael Cox Proves Crucial in 2013 Season

Published on May 14, 2013 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release


TAMPA, Fla. (May 14, 2013) -- For Rowdies midfielder Raphael Cox, the start to this season has been far from what he was accustomed to in previous years. Due to injuries in the defense, the Tacoma native has been called upon several times to cover at the back left position. It has been a tough preseason for Cox, who has worked hard to accommodate Head Coach Ricky Hill's needs.

"It is quite different to play in the defensive third, as I would have to get used to defending first before I could attack," explained Cox. "In the midfield I would still defend, but my focus was more on getting the ball into the box and setting up scoring chances for our forwards. I have been working extremely hard to play in whatever position Ricky needs me to play in."

Earlier in his career, Cox was drafted in the fourth round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake. He would go on to make six MLS appearances for the eventual MLS Cup Champions.

"Going to the White House after winning the cup was an experience that I will never forget," added Cox. "Meeting President Obama is one of the best things I have been able to accomplish from playing soccer. Winning the MLS Cup couldn't have been more perfect, as I won it in my home city."

After a year in the USL Premier Development League, Cox signed with the Atlanta Silverbacks in 2011. The 26-year-old appeared in 43 league matches over a span of two seasons with Atlanta. He scored four goals and recorded four assist for the Silverbacks, before joining the Rowdies in August of last year.

"Having arrived late in the season, it was difficult to earn a spot in a consolidated team," confessed the midfielder. "Luckily over the off season, I was able to prove that I deserved a spot in the starting XI and my goal is to continue to that week after week."

In his recent matches with the Rowdies, the 26-year-old has returned to his original position on the left flank of the midfield and has shown how dangerous he can be. Cox earned his first-career NASL Player of the Week award after a great performance on April 13 when the Rowdies visited the Scorpions. His performance on the left side of the midfield helped Tampa Bay earn their first franchise win in San Antonio, as well as their first win of the 2013 season.

"I know my role in the midfield is to feed at least five crosses into the box per game," commented Cox. "If I can create chances for our forwards to score, then I know I am doing my job correctly on the pitch."

Head Coach Ricky Hill has nothing but high expectations of the midfielder, always pushing him at practice to perfect his offensive and defensive qualities.

"We are delighted to have someone like Raphael on this team. He has an amazing work rate that is shown at practice and in matches as well. He never hesitates to fill in the positions I need him to play in, even if it was not where he naturally plays."

With first place just three points away, the Rowdies will visit Minnesota United for the first time this season. This Saturday's match at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET. Tampa Bay will then host Minnesota at Al Lang Stadium the following Saturday, May 25 at 7:30 p.m. For information on 2013 season tickets or individual tickets contact the front office at 813-287-1539 or tickets@rowdiessoccer.com.

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