Cosmos clinch fifth consecutive playoff berth
Ledesma Scores Hat Trick in Season Finale
With Carlos Mendes making his final regular-season appearance for the Cosmos, the team put in an inspiring effort for its skipper, defeating Puerto Rico FC 5-2 on Saturday and securing a place in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year.
The first player to sign with New York in the modern era, the New Jersey native has been a stalwart defender for the Cosmos, captaining the team for five seasons and winning three North American Soccer League (NASL) Championships with the club.
“It was absolutely perfect, honestly,” Mendes said of the emotional evening. “It was a very special night. It was something I’ll remember forever.”