NY Cosmos end 0-0 Fort Lauderdale Strikers
LAUDERHILL, FL — The New York Cosmos were held to a draw Saturday night, as their matchup with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers ended 0-0 at Central Broward Stadium.
The Cosmos applied ample pressure to the Strikers defense, enjoying healthy advantages in possession (62-38) and shots on target (8-1), but Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper Bruno made eight saves to keep the visitors off the scoreboard.
The Strikers’ lone attempt on target came in the 13th minute. Midfielder Manny Gonzalez fed a streaking Jose Angulo, and the Colombian-American forward fired a right-footed shot from outside the 18-yard box. Angulo’s attempt hopped into the waiting arms of Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. Four minutes later, Cosmos forward Jairo Arrieta created his own scoring opportunity, racing toward the end line and trying to sneak one past Bruno at the near post. His low blast was parried out of play.
Arrieta continued to work hard, and came close to putting New York ahead near the midpoint of the first half. Midfielder Sebastián Guenzatti skied a cross from the right sideline into the center of the box, and Arrieta connected flush with his head. The ball caromed off the crossbar. Alexis Velela, an 18-year-old United States youth international, made his professional debut for the Cosmos in the 41st minute. He replaced left back Ayoze, who was shaken up after contesting a ball in the air.
Many of the Cosmos’ chances in the second half came in the final 20 minutes of the match. In the 73rd minute, midfielder Rubén Bover cut past his defender at the right edge of the penalty area and found himself in on goal. The Spaniard’s shot took a deflection that sent it directly into the hands of the goalkeeper. Cosmos second-half substitute Yohandry Orozco attempted the spectacular in the 83rd minute, putting a sliding volley on frame only to be denied again by Bruno.
With the result, the Cosmos (8-3-2 Fall, 14-3-6 Combined) extend their unbeaten streak to seven matches and remain on top of the NASL’s Fall Season and Combined Season Standings.
Minnesota United comes to Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University next Saturday, September 10 7pm kick off.
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