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Late Equalizer Gives Cosmos Point in 3-3 Road Tie Against Miami

Bledi Bardic scores in his lineup debut
Published Sep 6, 2017
The New York Cosmos battled to a 3-3 draw against Miami FC on Wednesday night at Riccardo Silva Stadium.
 
The Spring Season Champions caused some early trouble for the Cosmos, but were cut short by Kyle Zobeck. The Cosmos shot-stopper, who got his first start of the Regular Season, came off his line to block a menacing, first minute cross. The hosts met their match, as New York produced their first chance in the 9th minute. Danny Szetela tested Miami's Daniel Vega from outside the box, getting the keeper to reroute the attempt to a corner.
 
A minute later, the Cosmos took the lead with Bledi Bardic opening his account for the club in his senior team lineup debut. A long ball from Jimmy Mulligan found Dejan Jaković near the end line. The Canadian international kept the ball in play with a header, and Bardic rammed it in from close range.
 
Miami were quick to react, pushing forward to test Zobeck through Stéfano Pinho in the 24th minute and Hunter Freeman in the 26th, but saw both efforts blocked by the Cosmos keeper. New York responded in the 34th minute with the subbed-in, Pablo Vranjicán, who found a pocket of space between Miami's defenders for a right-footed shot that narrowly missed the far post.
 
The hosts got one back in the 44th minute when Jaime Chávez equalized on the volley, connecting to a Bernstein pass following a free kick.
 
After an even first half, the Cosmos looked to retake the lead. New York nearly did so when Vranjicán's header found the back of the net two minutes after the break, but referee, Geoff Gamble, interpreted the Argentine's aerial duel as a foul on Mason Trafford.
 
Despite the Cosmos' efforts, Miami went ahead 2-1. Zobeck saved a 63rd minute Pinho attempt, before a defensive mishap gave Chávez his second of the night. The Cosmos keeper was soon back in action to block Michael Lahoud's 68th minute blast.
 
The hosts were intent on keeping the scoreline in their favor, with Pinho crafting a left-footer in the 76th before being denied by Jaković. New York got back on track with an 81st minute combination that leveled the teams at two goals apiece. Javi Márquez set up Vranjicán, whose right-footed shot from the left side of the six-yard box flew in under the crossbar.
 
Celebrations were short-lived, as Chávez found space for a run down the right, completing his hat-trick in the 90th minute.
 
New York retained their record of finishing late, and the second minute of stoppage time brought the Cosmos their third goal of the game. Beating two defenders inside the penalty area, Márquez sent a laser into the far post, saving a point for his team in a back-and-forth, 3-3 draw.
 
The Cosmos return to MCU Park for a rematch against Jacksonville Armada FC on Sunday, September 17 at 5:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.