By Jason Lind (@JasonKLind)

WHO

New York Cosmos (1-2-1 Fall, 6-7-1, Overall) vs. Minnesota United FC (2-2-1, 5-7-3)

WHEN & WHERE

Wednesday, August 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET | Hofstra University's Shuart Stadium

WATCH & FOLLOW

• NASL Wednesday Night Soccer on ONE World Sports
• WRHU Hofstra Radio (88.7 FM)
• Follow @NYCosmos_Match and #NYCvMNU on Twitter

NOTES

Closer to the top: A 2-0 victory against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at home this past Sunday secured the Cosmos’ second-place status in the NASL combined season standings; they’re now only two points behind streaking Ottawa Fury FC and two clear of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. As Spring Season champs New York already has a place in The Championship, the league’s four-team postseason tournament, but can still clinch home field throughout.

Creating chances: With 121 shot attempts this season, New York and Ottawa are tied for the league lead. Armada FC and the Strikers are the only two other teams that have attempted over 100.

Leo in the lead: Cosmos midfielder Leo Fernandes scored his fourth goal of the NASL season this past weekend at home against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Minutes before halftime the Brazilian-American ran onto a measured through ball from Raúl and finished low to give New York a 2-0 lead. With that score Fernandes tied the Spanish legend for the team lead in league goals this year.

One down, two to go: Wednesday night’s game against Minnesota United FC is the second in four days for the Cosmos and the midpoint of a three-game, seven-day stretch. It ends in Fort Lauderdale Saturday night, where the Strikers and Cosmos will battle for the second time in a week.

Player(s) of the Month: Loons target forward Christian Ramirez is the newest NASL Player of the Month. Last year's Golden Boot winner scored four goals and added two assists in the month of July. Wednesday's fixture will feature three Player of the Month recipients from this season: Ramirez for United and Raúl (May) and Jimmy Maurer (April) for the Cosmos.

Series history: In six prior meetings the Loons have never bested the Cosmos. New York boasts a record of 3-3-0 (WDL) against Minnesota, but the last matchup was the closest call yet. It took a 90th-minute finish from Raúl, set up by a midfield laser from Andrés Flores, to earn the Cosmos a 1-1 draw at NSC Stadium on May 30.