MIAMI/NEW YORK: Marcos Senna, the only Brazilian ever to have won the European Championship, is still collecting prizes.

The Sao Paulo-born 37-year-old converted a decisive free kick as New York Cosmos came from behind to beat visiting Tampa Bay Rowdies 4-3 on Sunday to remain on top of the 2013 Fall Season standings.

Senna’s goal and his commanding performance in midfield earned him the North American Soccer League Player of the Week award for the second time during the campaign.

Senna, also thus rewarded early in September, said: “Scoring a goal in that kind of situation was a great feeling because it put us on top and helped the team win. I am very glad it was a very important goal, above all else. Now it’s behind us though, and time to get ready for Minnesota.”

After trailing by 3-1 at halftime, the Cosmos scored two second half goals to level with 10 minutes remaining. Then in the 82nd minute, the Spanish midfielder lofted a 23-yard free kick over the Rowdies five-man wall and inside the near post for his third goal of the year to delight the home fans in the crowd of 6,518 at Hofstra University.

Senna began his career with Rio Branco Esporte Clube in 1997. After playing for a number of different Brazilian clubs, he moved in 2002 to Spain’s Villarreal whom he captained to the Champions League semi-finals in 2006.

Earlier that year Senna was granted Spanish citizenship. He was a member of Spain’s squad at the World Cup finals in Germany and, two years later, played the role of midfield anchor in the team who won the European Championship in Austria and Switzerland.

Senna scored goal in 28 appearances for Spain.

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