New York Cosmos defender and team Captain, Carlos Mendes, was named Emirates Cosmos Man of the Match after scoring a goal and playing a strong defensive game in New York’s 5-2 win over Puerto Rico FC on Saturday night at MCU Park.

“It was absolutely perfect, honestly,” Mendes said of the night. “It was a very special night. It was something I’ll remember forever.”  

Playing in the final Regular Season home game of his career, Mendes began his night with an incredible defensive play in the 25th minute to deny Mario Martinez Rubio in the box. The attacker looked to be alone in the box, but Mendes slid back to make the tackle and prevent an opportunity.

In the 75th minute, Mendes got up on the attack and finished a cross from Emmanuel Ledesma with a sliding effort at the near post to increase the Cosmos’ lead to 4-1, sealing the win and a postseason berth. The goal was Mendes’ first since May 10, 2015, when he scored two goals in a 4-2 win over FC Edmonton. 

“It was a great ball in and I beat [the defender] to the post,” Mendes said of his goal. “I was either going to meet it perfectly or miss it completely, and luckily I timed it well. It was a great ball in and a great effort.”

Late in the game, Mendes was subbed out to a standing ovation from the crowd at MCU Park, likely bringing an end to his home career in New York.

The Man of the Match Award is Mendes’ first of the season.

Members of the media cast their votes to determine the Emirates Cosmos Man of the Match at each Cosmos home game. 

In The Championship semifinals, the New York will hit the road to play either Miami FC or the San Francisco Deltas on Sunday, November 5. Details will be announced soon.