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Tampa Bay Rowdies forward Tsuyoshi Yoshitake has been named the North American Soccer League Offensive Player of the Week, the league announced on Monday. The honor marks the fourth time a Tampa Bay player has been honored this season, tied with FC Edmonton for the most in the league in 2012.

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 ranks tied for second on the team with six points and his two assists are tied for the team lead. He has played in nine games with eight starts thus far.

Tampa Bay returns home for a three-match homestand beginning this Saturday, June 23 when it hosts league leaders San Antonio at Al Lang Stadium at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, call 813-287-1539.

2012 Tampa Bay NASL Honors
NASL Defensive Player of the Week
April 30
Jeff Attinella

May 29
Frankie Sanfilippo

NASL Offensive Player of the Week
May 21
Daniel Antoniuk

June 18
Tsuyoshi Yoshitake