In the New York Cosmos' season-opening win last Sunday against Ottawa Fury FC, forward Jairo Arrieta quickly proved himself as a creative force at the front of the formation. The 32-year-old was responsible for four scoring opportunities that night, and assisted Venezuelan attacking midfielder Juan Arango on the game's first goal.

The trend continued this Sunday night in a 2-0 victory against Jacksonville Armada FC, but this time Arango provided the assist for Arrieta's first goal in a Cosmos uniform. In the 29^th minute a Jimmy Maurer goal kick flicked on by Arango fell to a streaking Arrieta, who blasted the ball under Jacksonville goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo on his first touch.

After Niko Kranjčar and Adam Moffat combined to put New York up 2-0 in the 55^th minute, Arrieta and Arango would nearly add a third. With second half stoppage time approaching, Arrieta went to work up the right sideline, exhibiting excellent hold-up play and laying off the ball his Venezuelan teammate at the top of the 18-yard box. Arango's shot was partially blocked and struck the crossbar.

“I’ve tried to repay the coaching staff for trusting me,” Arrieta said after the match. “Juan and I have formed a partnership where he moves ahead of me or vice-versa, and we play that way to try to confuse our opponent.”

For his efforts the media recognized Arrieta as Emirates Cosmos Man of the Match. 

Members of the media will cast their votes to determine the Emirates Cosmos Man of the Match at every Cosmos home game. At each home match, the winner will receive an Emirates Airbus A380 model airplane with an engraved plaque recognizing the player’s achievement.

The Emirates Cosmos Man of the Match award will culminate in a season-ending Emirates Cosmos Player of the Year award. The recipient of the Emirates Cosmos Player of the Year award will receive two round trip tickets on Emirates from New York (JFK) to Dubai (DXB) to celebrate a triumphant season.

2016 Emirates Cosmos Man of the Match Winners:

 Juan Arango: April 3 vs. Ottawa Fury FC (W 3-0)