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Usain Bolt scored two goals in his first professional soccer start

Liz Roscher
·Staff writer
Usain Bolt scored his first two professional soccer goals, and brought his lightning bolt celebration to a whole new sport. (PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
Usain Bolt scored his first two professional soccer goals, and brought his lightning bolt celebration to a whole new sport. (PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)

Usain Bolt reached an important landmark on Friday in his bid to start a second career as a soccer player. The retired sprinter and 100-meter world record holder not only made his very first professional soccer start, but he scored his first two goals.

Bolt is playing for the A-League Central Coast Mariners, a team in Australia’s top soccer division, and when he scored he couldn’t resist taking his trademark lightning bolt stance from sprinting to a whole different sport. He was even wearing No. 95 to signify his world record time of 9.58 seconds in the 100 meters.

After the game, Bolt spoke to Fox Sports and was excited about his accomplishments.

“I think I made some slight mistakes but I’m just happy to get the chance and I’m proud of myself… Scoring a goal in your first proper match is a big deal. It was a good feeling.”

Bolt was also proud of the improvements he’s made since he started training with the Mariners.

“I think I’ve improved in every area. I think my touch is that little bit better; my vision needs to improve a little bit more. I think my running off the ball is where I’ve improved most.”

Bolt has also struggled with stamina issues, but stayed in the game until the 75th minute. Bolt’s first appearance for the Mariners was on August 31, when he appeared in the 72nd minute and played for 20 minutes.

It’s still the preseason for the Mariners — the regular season starts on October 19, and Bolt doesn’t yet have a contract. He started training with the club in mid August, and has been gradually getting better. Maybe Bolt’s two goals on Friday will help seal the deal.

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Liz Roscher is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at lizroscher@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter at @lizroscher.

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