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MATCH GUIDE: COSMOS AND DELTAS IN BROOKLYN FOR SECOND GAME IN MATCHUP HISTORY

Danny Szetela and Jimmy Maurer to be honored at MCU Park for reaching 100 club appearances this season
Published May 26, 2017

The New York Cosmos will host the San Francisco Deltas at MCU Park in their second meeting of the 2017 NASL Spring Season. New York came away with a 1-0 victory in the matchup debut at Kezar Stadium, with midfielder, Emmanuel Ledesma, netting in the winning goal.

The Cosmos return to NASL action after a scoreless draw in a historic exhibition match against Saudi Champions, Al-Hilal FC. The Deltas, meanwhile, recorded a 3-0 loss against visiting Jacksonville Armada FC. Both teams have 12 points, though New York has played seven games, one less than San Francisco, and has outscored the Deltas 9-7. The Cosmos enter the match in great form, unbeaten in their last five league matches.

When it comes to set pieces, New York has the upper hand. The Cosmos have been great at both defending and scoring off of free kicks. They have conceded just one set piece goal this season, the second-fewest in the NASL after the Deltas. Midfielder, Javi Márquez, is one of three players in the NASL to score on a direct free kick this season. He is also tied for the league lead in free kick shots.

Ball distribution has also been a strong suit for the Cosmos so far this season. Defender, Dejan Jaković, is completing 85.7% of his passes. Ledesma, who assisted two goals in New York's 4-3 win over Puerto Rico FC, is the fourth Cosmos player since the start of last season with multiple assists in a game. His seven chances created are tied for the most by any NASL player over that time.

The Cosmos will look to deliver San Francisco's first loss on the road. The hosts will need to be sharp in the attack to get past goalkeeper, Romuald Peiser, who has made 16 saves on shots from inside the box this season, the second-most in the NASL. The Deltas have been active in getting shots on target from outside the box, with Kyle Bekker and Pablo Dyego tallying seven and five, respectively. San Francisco also have a key player in Cristian Portilla, who is tied for the league lead in assists (3) and is second in total crosses (42).

The Cosmos, however, are equipped with one of the best back lines in the league. New York leads the NASL with 3.4 blocked shots per game and ranks second in the league in blocked shots (24). Goalkeeper, Jimmy Maurer, continues to be solid in goal for the Cosmos. He is second in the league in saves (27) and tied for second in clean sheets (3).

Maurer, along with midfielder, Danny Szetela, will be honored in Saturday's game, as both players reached 100 club appearances this season. Szetela and Maurer are the third and fourth Cosmos players to hit the milestone in the Modern Era, joining teammates, Ayoze and Carlos Mendes, who played their 100th games for the club last season.

The match kicks off at 7:00 pm at MCU Park in Brooklyn, New York. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.