HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (April 10, 2016) – The Force was definitely with the New York Cosmos on what was billed as Star Wars Night at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium.

Forward Jairo Arrieta scored his first Cosmos goal and midfielder Adam Moffat scored his second in as many matches, pacing the home side to a 2-0 victory over Jacksonville Armada FC Sunday evening.

Given the starting role up top for a second straight match, Arrieta opened the scoring in the 29^th minute. Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer played a ball deep inside Jacksonville Armada FC’s territory that midfielder Juan Arango headed into space for Arrieta. The Costa Rican made the most of his chance, blasting a one-timer off the body of Armada FC goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo that trickled past the goal line for the go-ahead tally. Arrieta earned Emirates Man of the Match honors, while Maurer recorded his second consecutive shutout.

“We were fighting, and we found that goal in the first half that gave us some oxygen,” said Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese after the match.

“I’ve tried to repay the coaching staff for trusting me,” Arrieta said. “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.”

Moffat, a halftime substitute, scored next to give New York some breathing room. In the 55^th minute Croatian midfielder Niko Kranjčar, making his first Cosmos start, found a wide-open Moffat at the edge of the penalty area. The Scottish midfielder welcomed the look with a blast to the far side and past Gallardo.

“The second half was different. We looked more like ourselves," Savarese said. "The clean sheet for us was very important.”

“It’s great coming in and making an impact,” said Moffat. “To have some effect on the game by scoring felt good.”

Arrieta and Arango nearly combined for a third Cosmos goal in the 90^th minute, when Arrieta weaved through defenders and left the ball for Arango. The ensuing shot was partially blocked and caromed off the crossbar.

With the victory the Cosmos improve to 2-0-0 on the young NASL season, remaining atop the Spring Season standings with six points and a three-goal advantage on the Carolina RailHawks in goal differential. They'll travel to Michael A. Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis next to take on Indy Eleven this Saturday, April 16. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET.