HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (May 22, 2016) – Defending National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) Champion New York Cosmos B posted their second straight victory, winning 2-0 against the Seacoast United Phantoms at James M. Shuart Stadium on Long Island Sunday afternoon.

“I thought we played extremely well,” said Cosmos B Head Coach Fernando Barboto. “We had the ball moving left to right. We controlled the rhythm of the game very well. We possessed, we controlled and we scored.”

Cosmos B opened the match with back-to-back chances, as midfielder Alejandro Mitrano struck twice off the crossbar in the third and fifth minutes.

The Phantoms nearly countered with their own chance in the 14^th minute. Abdulkadir Haji had a strong run into Cosmos B territory, but defender Miguel Palafox was there to break off the attack. Haji had another chance just four minutes later, but Cosmos B goalkeeper Hector Guerrero made a nice save to keep the match scoreless.

Cosmos B maintained a strong offensive presence throughout the first half, creating numerous scoring opportunities. Initially the Phantoms defense was unyielding, the only blemish being a yellow card issued to William Risigo in the 20^th minute.

Cosmos B were finally able to break through in the 38^th minute. Midfielder Franklin Castellanos connected with Trey Williams, and the English winger headed in the opening goal of the match.

The Phantoms made a tactical change at halftime, subbing out starting goalkeeper Andrew Pesci for Andre Bernardini. Cosmos B would test Bernardini less than 10 minutes into the second half. Julian Stahler capitalized on an opportunity born from a corner kick, knocking the ball into the net from close range to make it 2-0 in the 53^rd minute.

“Julian being in the right place at the right time is what makes that play happen,” Barboto said.

Cosmos B defender Gaston Sanchez, a force at both ends of the pitch on Sunday, assisted Stahler on his second-half strike.

“I thought [Sanchez] was fantastic,” said Barboto. “He helped us defensively. He kept us strong. He was our steel today.” 

Cosmos B would make their own tactical changes in the second half, also swapping goalkeepers; Kevin Tenjo came on for Hector Guerrero in the 65^th minute. United States Under-17 international Hanif Wright relieved Stahler in the 74^th minute.

“It was humid, and we wanted to keep up the tempo,” Barboto explained. “We had a nice crowd, so we wanted to make sure we were entertaining.”

When the final whistle blew, Cosmos B had posted a convincing 2-0 win. The first team would register its own Shuart Stadium triumph against the Tampa Bay Rowdies later that evening.

The Cosmos reserves are 4-0-1 (W-D-L) on the 2016 NPSL season.

“I think we’re always going to be dynamic in our attack,” Barboto said. “We’re going to send numbers forward with balance on defense. We have some good players. The future is bright for each one of them, and I think it showed up today again.”