NY Cosmos unbeaten game over Minnesota United FC
BLAINE – The New York Cosmos finished unbeaten streak against United FC to eight matches.
This is end of the regular season series against Minnesota United FC on Saturday night. During the first half in the 19th minute, a ball was played inside the penalty area to Lucky Mkosana. The Zimbabwean forward dished over to Walter Restrepo, who cut back to his left leg and shot just high of the goal.
New York (6-5-2) once again had a chance to break the scoreless tie in the 53rd minute off a corner kick. The Cosmos played the ball to the deep post for Raúl, but the Spanish legend’s shot was saved by United goalkeeper Sammy N’Djock.
“It was a game that could’ve gone to either side,” said Cosmos midfielder Ruben Bover, who made his second start of the year. “Some moments we played a bit too slow, but once we start playing our game, we were doing a really good job.”
Minnesota (6-5-2) was playing its third game in eight days. The Loons built their best scoring opportunity in the 84th minute. Substitute Alejandro Vela secured the ball eight yards out, but his right-footed strike was saved by the left hand of Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer.
In the 69th minute Minnesota’s Daniel Mendes scored on a redirection of a free kick, but the goal was called back due to a handball.
“I saw clearly that one of their players touched the ball with his hand,” said Savarese. “The referee did a good job of disallowing it.”
Loons striker Christian Ramirez netted another in the 73rd minute, but was ruled in an offside position. Saturday’s game began a pivotal stretch for the Cosmos.
New York the next home game, meeting up with Fall Season leaders Ottawa Fury FC on Tuesday, September 22. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University. It will be Hispanic Heritage Night at the stadium, which includes an appearance from Celebs and Miss Universe, a postgame autograph session with the Cosmos’ Hispanic stars and more.
