The New York Cosmos clinched foot into Championship
HEMPSTEAD, NY (October 2, 2016) – The New York Cosmos clinched a spot in The Championship – the North American Soccer League’s four-team postseason tournament on Sunday afternoon with a 2-0 victory against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Shuart
Stadium.
“It’s good to know we achieved something important,” said Cosmos Head Coach Giovanni Savarese. “We have a spot in the postseason. But we still have four more matches to play. We have to continue to grow, and we have to finish strong in order to have positive momentum.” The result also extended the Cosmos’ unbeaten streak at home to 18 consecutive games, equaling the NASL Modern Era record set by the 2014-15 Cosmos and the 2012-14 Carolina RailHawks. After a back-and-forth opening half, the Cosmos broke the scoreless deadlock in the 57th minute through Juan Arango and Rubén Bover.
The Venezuelan international advanced the ball to the end line and whipped a low cross into the 18-yard box. Bover connected with Arango’s service in the middle of the area, finishing at the near post with a half volley. “It’s the first time I’ve scored in two straight games,” Bover said. “It’s a good feeling. I hope it doesn’t stop.”
Substitute Lucky Mkosana came on for the Cosmos in the 78th minute and left his mark on the match eight minutes later. Much like Arango, the Zimbabwean forward found space near the end line at the left edge of the box and delivered the ball into a dangerous area.
This time Andrés Flores was on the end of it, beating Strikers goalkeeper Bruno to double the home side’s advantage. Mkosana nearly bagged a goal of his own moments later, played through by Ryan Richter into a 1-on-1 situation with Bruno in the box. But the goalkeeper was able to save the shot by diving to his left.
Cosmos left back Ayoze made his 100th appearance for the club in the win, becoming the second player to reach the milestone in the Modern Era. Captain Carlos Mendes appeared in his 100th Cosmos match last month. “I’m very happy and honored to play my 100th game here,” said Ayoze. “It was great to get the win, too.”
For the fourth straight year, the Cosmos (11-4-3 Fall, 17-4-7 Combined) are guaranteed to be playing postseason soccer. They remain on top of the NASL’s Fall Season and Combined Season Standings.
New York hits to road to take on Ottawa Fury FC next Sunday, October 9. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET at TD Place.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLD97ATBl5w/
