Bobby’s dazzler helps Jamaica secure a point against Mexico
FORMER Bristol City forward Bobby Decordova-Reid scored one of the best goals of his career while representing Jamaica after silencing the Mexico supporters with an unstoppable effort from distance.
During The Reggae Boyz’ Concacaf Nations League qualifier inside the 83,264-capacity Azteca Stadium, the 30-year-old gave his side a surprise lead after just seven minutes in remarkable fashion.
A long kick upfield from the goalkeeper landed in his path around 30 yards from goal. On the half-volley, Reid hit it first time with the outside of his boot, curling away from ‘keeper Guillermo Ochoa and nestling into the top corner of the net. It was the third goal of his international career, in his 18th cap, after making his debut in 2019.
Jamaica couldn’t hold on to their lead, leaving Mexico with a 2-2 draw to leave them in second spot ahead of third place Suriname. City legend Scott Murray commented on his strike on social media with the words: “A one-timer yes Bobby Reid.”
Reid is generating a habit of scoring superb goals for his country. He won the Gold Cup Goal of the Tournament in 2021 with a volley against Suriname, although his latest strike certainly tops that.
Reid, who continues to enjoy a fine season at Fulham, is a popular figure at City having emerged through the academy. Born in Easton, he came through the ranks as a midfielder, becoming a key figure in the 2014-15 double-winning campaign, following loan moves with Cheltenham, Oldham and Plymouth.
During the 2017-18 season, his last at City, he was transformed into a forward with brought a return of 21 goals across all competitions and a place in the EFL Team in the Season and the PFA Team of the Year. That saw him earn a controversial move to Premier League newbies Cardiff City under Neil Warnock.
Following their immediate relegation, he made a loan move to Fulham before signing on a permanent deal where he has remained, earning promotion to the top flight and contributing four goals in their impressive campaign under Marco Silva this time around.
Speaking of his City exit back in May 2020, he said: “I kind of knew it was going to be my last season for Bristol City, I’d been there for so long that I thought it was time for a change and to challenge myself.
“Obviously everyone wants to play in the Premier League and I got a call from my agent saying they were interested. I thought it was a place where I was going to play games, unfortunately, I didn’t necessarily play as much as I wanted to, but it was close to home as well.
“It was perfect, Premier League football and close to home, I didn’t have to go up north and could stay close to family. It was something I couldn’t turn down and to this day I don’t regret it.”