HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (August 13, 2016) – In their final North American Soccer League (NASL) regular season matchup with the Tampa Bay Rowdies this season, the New York Cosmos prevailed by a score of 3-2 at Shuart Stadium.

“This is a group that is capable of doing amazing things,” said Cosmos Head Coach Giovanni Savarese. “We battled and had a tremendous win, showing a lot of character to the opponent.”

The Cosmos found themselves down early on, as Rowdies midfielder Joe Cole scored off a cross from PC to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead in the 11^th minute. Just three minutes later, PC would be on the receiving end of a cross, as he was found unmarked by Carlos Preciado to push Tampa Bay’s lead to two.

Physical play would mark the ensuing 23 minutes as yellow cards were issued to Rowdies players Juan Guerra and Tamika Mkandawire, as well as Cosmos defenders Ayoze and Jimmy Mulligan.

In the 37^th minute, Andrés Flores drew a foul from Guerra in the Tampa Bay box and a penalty kick was awarded to the Cosmos. Rowdies goalkeeper Matt Pickens dove to his right on the penalty kick attempt from Adam Moffat, but the Scottish midfielder went the other way as he cut the deficit to one.

Following the penalty kick goal, the Cosmos demonstrated energy in trying to find an equalizer, closing out the first half with aggressive play and starting out the second half with the same intensity. The turning point of the match came in the 62^nd minute.

Lucky Mkosana received a pass and was starting to make a run into Tampa Bay’s box, but was brought down by Guerra as he crossed the line. The Venezuelan midfielder was called for another foul resulting in a penalty that Moffat, once again, converted to equalize.

In the 65^th minute, Tampa Bay defender Darnell King challenged Moffat strongly from behind in the midfield. The two pushed each other and received red cards, leaving their teams with 10 players for the remainder of the match. 

The fourth official announced seven minutes of stoppage time, and the Cosmos would find their match winner two minutes in. Sebastián Guenzatti played a cross to Danny Szetela and started his run further into Rowdies territory. The Uruguayan would then pass it off to Flores, who found an open David Diosa to give the Cosmos a late 3-2 lead.

Tampa Bay would not go down easy. Midfielder Michael Nanchoff might have found a late equalizer in the eighth minute of stoppage time, but Mulligan was there to protect his line, coming up with a huge goal line save to seal the thrilling win.

The Cosmos' next match will be on Saturday, August 20, as they will play their first away match against NASL expansion side Puerto Rico FC. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET from Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.