By WIlson Sy (@WilsonSy93)

The New York Cosmos couldn’t have planned a more dramatic finish to their Spring Season and early U.S. Open Cup run.

After ending unbeaten in NASL matches with a back-and-forth 3-3 home draw against Jacksonville Armada FC, the Cosmos came back from a two-goal deficit against New York City FC on June 17 in front of 11,446 fans at Stuart Stadium. Goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer collected three critical saves in the penalty shootout before defender Hunter Gorskie found the net and sealed the victory in the inaugural East River Derby matchup.

Earning one of their most impressive wins in the modern era, the Cosmos spoke about the season and the fantastic finish.

“I was telling the guys it was one of the best moments of my life,” Gorskie said. “Just so much fun to come back in the game the way we did, and obviously being the guy to finish it off was surreal.” 

Throughout the season the Cosmos overcame multiple deficits late in the second half and found ways to pull even, keeping their undefeated streak alive. 

During the NASL Spring Season the Cosmos scored six goals after the 80th minute, re-earning the nickname “Cardiac Cosmos” given to them in the 2013 reboot season. They found themselves trailing 2-0 in the 57th minute against NYCFC, but Leo Fernandes scored in the 65th minute, then Hunter Freeman set up Lucky Mkosana in the box to even the contest during the 90th minute.

“We just have an enormous belief in what we do,” said Gorskie. “In the work we’ve put in since preseason and day-in and day-out on the training pitch. There have been times that we’ve been behind but we always believe we’re going to pull it out.”

Striker Mads Stokkelien subbed on for Raúl in the second half against NYCFC and converted his team’s first penalty goal in the shootout.

“It felt electric, an amazing feeling. Indescribable,” said Stokkelien. “The best feeling I've had in a very long time. It reminds me of the win against the Red Bulls last year, but the feeling I have now is even better.

“We showed great character in our team to come back from 2-0, tie the game, take it to overtime and get the win. Jimmy was amazing in the penalty shootout. Just a great feeling.”

The victory helped midfielder Danny Szetela enjoy his 28th birthday.

“This was definitely one of the best birthday presents,” he said. “We’ve been waiting for this game for a long time. It’s going to be something to look forward to every time we play them. But we have to continue to work and prepare for the next game.” 

The Cosmos, in the midst of a break in league play, will have two weeks to prepare for the fifth round of the U.S Open Cup. They’ll face the New York Red Bulls - a familiar Open Cup opponent - at Red Bull Arena on July 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. It’ll be a rematch of last year’s fourth round Open Cup fixture, which the Cosmos won soundly 3-0 at Shuart Stadium.