Coney Island

With Ayoze at the wheel, Cosmos steer closer to postseason

October 19, 2017 By Scott Enman Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Not only did the Cosmos defeat Puerto Rico FC 4-1 on Wednesday night, but Jacksonville Armada also tied its match, putting New York in sole possession of the fourth and final playoff spot. Shown: New York’s starting XI Photo by Andrea Yanez - Deporte Total
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The New York Cosmos had a good day Wednesday.

Not only did the team defeat Puerto Rico FC (PRFC) 4-1, but Jacksonville Armada also tied its match, putting the Cosmos in sole possession of the fourth and final playoff spot with 41 points. Jacksonville sits in fifth place with 39 points.

“It was a great result. We needed this result,” said Cosmos head coach and Sporting Director Giovanni Savarese. “We did a lot of good things today, we found the goals with the opportunities, and I’m pleased with the performance.

“It was a positive match. Not only because of the result, but also because of the way the guys played the match.”

The Cosmos scored early and often, finding the back of the net twice in the first half and two more times in the second half for the team’s largest victory of the year.  

The fixture was played at Central Broward Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, which was used as a temporary home field for PRFC while recovery efforts from Hurricane Maria continue in Puerto Rico.

With so few people in the stands, the game felt like an exhibition match, but the win was no less exciting for the Cosmos.

In the 35th minute, Ayoze opened the scoring for New York on a free kick. The Spaniard deftly placed the ball over the wall and past the diving PRFC goalkeeper Austin Pack. The La Liga veteran, who was sporting the captain’s armband with defender Carlos Mendes out, then ran to the sideline to celebrate with his teammates.

Six minutes later, Juan Guerra sent a driven cross from the right corner to Starikov, who calmly brought the ball down with his back to goal and delivered an impressive bicycle kick to put the visitors up 2-0.

In the second half, rain began to fall, but it would not dampen the Cosmos’ mood.

In the 73rd minute, New York extended its lead after Starikov threaded a ball into the penalty area for Bledi Bardic, who coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net.  

In the 83rd minute, Ayoze completed his brace on a penalty, sending Pack in the wrong direction.

PRFC picked up a consolation goal in the 89th minute, but the damage was already done.

The Cosmos will play their final road game and penultimate match of the regular season on Sunday at 4 p.m. in a crucial matchup against Jacksonville.

“Big win last night here in Florida but straight back to work this morning for a massive game on Sunday in Jacksonville,” wrote Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer on Instagram Thursday morning.

Massive would be an understatement: With a victory, New York can clinch a berth to the postseason as the team looks to hoist its fourth Soccer Bowl Trophy in five years. A loss would push the Cosmos out of the final playoff spot.

 

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