News

Cosmos Sweep Season Series With Carolina

Midfielders Moffat and Bover on target in 2-0 win.
Published Sep 28, 2016
(Photo: Rob Kinnan/Carolina RailHawks)

CARY, N.C. (September 28, 2016) – The New York Cosmos prevailed 2-0 over the Carolina RailHawks at WakeMed Soccer Park Wednesday night thanks to a pair of second-half goals scored less than a minute apart.

“It was an interesting match,” said Cosmos Head Coach Giovanni Savarese. “I think Carolina tried everything they could to find space, but I thought we were very organized, especially in the second half. I’m very pleased with the work these guys put in.”

Savarese decided to dial up defensive pressure on the road, and his team caused problems for the RailHawks throughout the match with a tenacious high press. Both of New York’s goals – scored in the 71st and 72nd minutes – came off turnovers forced at midfield.

First, midfielder Yohandry Orozco intercepted a pass from Carolina defender Connor Tobin and sped toward the center of the 18-yard box. Orozco, making his first start since July 27, picked out Sebastián Guenzatti to his left. Tobin took down Guenzatti with a sliding challenge in the penalty area, and the Cosmos were awarded a penalty kick that Adam Moffat slotted coolly into the back of the net. Moffat’s eighth goal of the season made it 1-0 New York.

Seconds after the restart following the goal, Yasmani Duk dispossessed James Marcelin to begin another Cosmos counter attack. The Bolivian international dumped the ball off to Rubén Bover. Sensing an opening, Bover took aim outside the box, beating RailHawks goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre with a low blast from 23 yards.

Earning his 12th shutout of the NASL Season, Jimmy Maurer had just one save to make in the match, but it was an excellent one. The Cosmos goalkeeper quickly changed levels to deny Nazmi Albadawi’s low effort in the 28th minute, diving to his left.

The Cosmos’ latest signing, right back Ryan Richter, made his debut in the victory. The former Ottawa Fury man played all 90 minutes, making two interceptions.

With the result, the Cosmos (10-4-3 Fall, 16-4-7 Combined) pad their lead in the NASL Fall Season and Combined Season Standings. They won all three regular season matchups with Carolina this year, scoring nine goals while allowing only one.

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers come to Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University this Sunday, October 2 for a 4 p.m. ET kickoff. Tickets are available at nycosmos.com/tickets or by calling 855-71-COSMOS.