Usain Bolt scores two goals for Central Coast Mariners in a test match



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Usain Bolt of the Mariners celebrates his first goal. Matt King / Getty Images

Usain Bolt marked his first start for the Central Coast Mariners (A-League) with two goals against Macarthur South West in a pre-season friendly match.

Bolt, world record holder in the 100 meters and eight-time winner of the Olympic gold medal, joined Central Coast in August to try to win a contract and admitted that the match would be essential for his future.

Playing a pivotal central role, he scored his first goal in the 55th minute to allow Central Coast to win 3-0 with a powerful left-handed finish after running a deep pass from Ross McCormack. He quickly produced his famous lightning celebration.

And his second goal came in the 68th minute when he capitalized on a defensive mistake to get his home goal back.

Bolt had several other chances before being replaced in the 75th minute, but struggled to keep possession of the ball early in the game.

Just under 6,000 people showed up Friday night at the Campbelltown Sports Stadium and brought a lot of support to Bolt every time he touched the ball, including an enthusiastic horn blower.

"Scoring a goal in your first game, first start and two goals was a good feeling," Bolt told Fox Sports. "Because that's why I worked. I tried to prove myself – I tried to improve. I think I have progressed in all areas.

"I think my touch is a bit better, my vision needs to be improved a bit more, I think I escaped the fastest."

McCormack added, "The best thing about Usain Bolt is that he is so humble, he integrates well with the guys. is today, the transformation is huge. "

Before his double, Bolt was not always convincing, whether in finishing or in possession and distribution of the ball.

From the second minute, he escaped, but failed to score on goal, as he lost the ball before entering the area.

In the 23rd minute, he won the ball in the penalty area after losing, but his point-blank shot fell on a defender and was comfortably saved.

He approached in the 39th minute when he had his best moment in the first period. The 195 cm Jamaican made a solid and well timed run and jumped to a left center from Tommy Oar, winning an air contest and placing a firm head right next to the post.

McCormack and Jordan Murray scored the Mariners' other goals in their 4-0 win in their final pre-season game.

The A-League season begins next weekend. The central coast will visit Brisbane Roar on Sunday.

Bolt retired from athletics after the 2017 World Championships and is eager to forge a new career in professional football.

The information from the Australian Associated Press was used in this report

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