Former Wingate All-America Seeking Quick Start With Tampa Bay
Luke Mulholland came to the United States in 2007 from his native England to play study and play soccer at Wingate University.
Four years later he had earned first team Division II All-America honors and was headed to a professional soccer career.
He played in the USL Premier Development League with Reading United during the summers while still in college, and signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads where he played 23 games in 2011.
After the Hammerheads season, he moved to the North American Soccer League and the NSC Minnesota Stars for four games in their playoff run.
The entire 2012 season was back in the NASL, where he played a key role in the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ championship season.
With only a few weeks left until the start of the 2013 season, Mulholland is eager to pick up where he left off last year. That includes getting off to a fast start towards another great season.
He earned USL PRO Rookie of the Year with Wilmington in his first pro season. After joining Minnesota for the playoffs, he scored the game-winner against Tampa Bay in the 2011 quarterfinals.
Known for his outstanding work rate, Mulholland had a remarkable first season with the Rowdies, starting 29 of 30 appearances. He scored six goals with six assists from midfield, and was one of the team’s main offensive threats.
After the season, he gained well-deserved recognition and was named to the 2012 NASL Best XI squad. Although it isn’t one of his main focuses, he hopes to make the Best XI squad again this year.
“You don’t want to be focusing too much on things like that,” said Mulholland. “I feel that as long as I’m doing my job and improving as a player, then by the end of the season, things should hopefully fall into place naturally.”
Mulholland’s talents are obvious to all that watch him play and many feel that he is MLS worthy. The humble, talented athlete enjoys playing with Rowdies and the tradition behind the club.
“Since winning the championship last year, I think the fans are expecting and hoping for us to retain the championship,” stated Mulholland. “As a team, our expectations this year is to maintain another good home record. Our fans are the best in the league, which makes it very hard for us to be beaten at home.
“With that being said, we know we need to work on our away performances and make sure we stay concentrated especially in the second half.”
With nothing but high expectations for the young British midfielder, Mulholland looks to pick up from where he left off last season. Maintaining his rhythm and pace from last year will help lead the Rowdies as they attempt to capture another NASL Soccer Bowl Championship.
Tampa Bay opens the 2013 regular season, their fourth in the NASL, at home on April 6 against the Carolina RailHawks