HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (September 17, 2016) – The North American Soccer League’s top two sides battled to a stalemate on Saturday night, as the first-place New York Cosmos extended their home unbeaten run to 17 straight matches with a 0-0 result against second-place FC Edmonton at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium.

“We may have deserved a little bit more from the match than what we got,” said Cosmos Head Coach Giovanni Savarese. “But we have to stay positive. That’s what I said to the players.”

Captain Carlos Mendes made his 100^th appearance for the Cosmos, becoming the first player to do so in the Modern Era. He played the full 90 minutes, garnering Emirates Cosmos Man of the Match honors.

“It’s a special night for my family, my friends and the fans that have supported me from day one,” Mendes said. “That’s always great. Each and every day I still try to improve.”

The Cosmos created a handful of scoring opportunities in the first half, the most dangerous of which came in the 20^th minute when midfielder Juan Arango earned a free kick from 28 yards. The Venezuelan international hammered the crossbar with his curling shot, missing the top corner of the net by inches.

Arango nearly gave the home side a lead again in the 36^th minute, this time by combining with Spanish fullback Ayoze on another set piece. Ayoze’s service into the heart of Edmonton’s 18-yard box found the head of Arango, whose effort snuck over the crossbar.

In the second half Ayoze showcased his defensive awareness, positioning himself well to send away a threatening low cross delivered by FC Edmonton’s Tomi Ameobi in the 59^th minute. Eddies midfielder Sainey Nyassi had broken free from his marker and was waiting at the far post.

Cosmos winger David Diosa, who netted the match-winner against Minnesota a week ago, entered this game as a substitute in the 80^th minute and immediately found success going forward. Leading a counter attack, Diosa picked out Lucky Mkosana at the top of the penalty area in the 83^rd minute. Mkosana’s shot missed high, keeping the match even at 0-0.

New York stretched Edmonton’s back line in the final minutes of the match, but the breakthrough never came thanks in large part to an excellent performance from Eddies goalkeeper Matt VanOekel. His save of Diosa’s stinging shot toward the near post in the 93^rd minute sealed the result.

The Cosmos (9-4-2 Fall, 15-4-6 Combined) remain on top of the NASL’s Fall Season and Combined Season Standings. They’ll travel to Michael A. Carroll Stadium for a matchup with Indy Eleven next Saturday, September 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.