Rafael Castillo demonstrated the proper way to become a local soccer legend Saturday.
Castillo, 34, scored a bicycle-kick goal for the San Antonio Scorpions in their 2-1 win over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The Scorpions claimed the 2014 NASL Soccer Bowl in front of their own fans at Toyota Field with the result, making them champions in second division of professional soccer in the United States.
The game was goal-less in the 69th minute when Castillo used a stunning piece of skill to connect with a teammate’s cross. The Strikers’ goalkeeper was powerless to stop Castillo’s shot, as it banged off the post and went into the goal.
Not only was Castillo’s goal his ninth of the season, it also was one of the best of the veteran attacker’s career.
“In my 14 years of professional soccer, I’ve never scored a goal like that,” Castillo told the San Antonio Express-News. “It was even more spectacular because it was in a championship.”
Six minutes later, Castillo provided the assist on Billy Forbes’goal, which stood as the game-winner.
The 7,847 fans in attendance at Toyota Field wildly celebrated the Scorpions’ first-ever championship. It’s safe to say they’ll never forget the wonder-goal Castillo scored when the game was hanging in the balance.
