Mikie scores with USA goal of year award
CAMPILE man Mikie WalshRowe who has become a soccer sensation in America where he won the Goal of the Year award for a 25 yard wonder free-kick worthy of Lionel Messi.
It has been an amazing year for Mikie, who was honoured at the United Soccer Coaches All-America Ceremony and Reception in Chicago in January, an event held in conjunction with the 72nd annual United Soccer Coaches Convention. The free-scoring forward from Kilmannock earned the two top individual awards having been named the NCAA Division II Men’s National Player of the Year and the NCAA Division II Men’s National Scholar Player of the Year in December.
He turned professional this year and his lit up the American championship with his scoring prowess.
Speaking about his latest award, Mikie said: ‘It’s always special to win awards and this one is a little extra special as its my first as a professional. My family were hounding people for votes for weeks so I’m really happy they got their wish in the end. The support I got from the people of Campile, Wexford and beyond was incredible for me to watch unfold from the other side of the world, something I am extremely grateful for!’
The son of Georgina and Anthony Rowe, Mikie has been on a scholarship to Young Harris
College in Georgia, playing as centre forward with the Mountain Lions team in the north of the state for over two years, where he has been studying business and public policy.
Mikie became only the 13th player in league history to score 20 or more goals in a season with 22 to lead the PB Conference in 2018. The former Horeswood NS and Good Counsel College student signed a professional contract for South Georgia Tormenta FC in January and is based near Savannah.