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Arango Named Emirates Man of the Match

For the second time this season, the media selected the Venezuelan midfielder as the Cosmos' most valuable player.
Published May 22, 2016

On Sunday night the New York Cosmos rebounded off a road loss in Edmonton the week prior, fighting from a goal down to secure all three points at home against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Decorated Venezuelan international Juan Arango was paramount in the hosts 2-1 win, assisting on both scores. In the 32nd minute he delivered the final ball for Bolivian striker Yasmani Duk in a spurt of successful buildup, helping draw New York even after an early Tom Heinemann goal.

Eight minutes later Arango picked out Ruben Bover and Ayoze running free into space on the left side of the penalty area. The attacking midfielder's skillful cross connected with a sliding Bover, whose first-time volleyed finish gave the Cosmos a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish.

When it was over, Arango was recognized 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:

 Yohandry Orozco: May 1 vs. Carolina RailHawks (W 1-0)

 Jairo Arrieta: April 10 vs. Jacksonville Armada FC (W 2-0)

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