Match report: The New York Cosmos earned a dramatic 3-2 victory over Westchester SC on Friday night at The Stadium at Memorial Field in Prinx Tires USL Cup play. The Cosmos struck first just before halftime when Sebastián Guenzatti found the back of the net in the 43rd minute to give New York a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Westchester responded quickly in the second half as Koen Blommestijn equalized in the 47th minute before Ermin Mackic gave the hosts a 2-1 advantage in the 69th minute. The Cosmos answered late with a strong push forward, leveling the match in the 81st minute through Nick Mendonca. Deep into stoppage time, Christian Koffi delivered the winner in the 90’+4 minute to complete the comeback and secure all three points on the road for New York.
MATCH DETAILS
WESTCHESTER SC 2-3 NEW YORK COSMOS
WESTCHESTER SC (4-1-4-1): Marinelli; Pierre, Bouman, Powder, Jennings; Armas; Guezen, McGlynn, Evans, Burko; Blommestijn.
Subs: Mackic, Powder, Jimenez, Diaz, Dickerson, Timchenko, Santucci. Coach: Dave Carton.
NEW YORK COSMOS (4-3-3): Garcia; Holt, Noecker, Mason, Morabito; Spengler, Mendonca, Milovanov; Koffi, Guenzatti, Zielonka.
Subs: Puentes, Bohui, Guarino, Manzano, Backus, Stephani. Coach: Corti.
Goals: 43′ Guenzatti (C), 47′ Blommestijn (WCH), 69′ Mackic (WCH), 81′ Mendonca (C), 90’+4 Koffi (C).
Bookings: 35′ Mendonca (C), 36′ Armas (WCH), 85′ Bohui (C), 85′ Jimenez (WCH), 89′ Bouman (WCH).
Match Stats:
Possession: Cosmos 50.1% – Westchester 49.9%
Shots: Cosmos 9 – Westchester 11
Shots on Target: Cosmos 6 – Westchester 4
Corners: Cosmos 3 – Westchester 5
Saves: Cosmos 2 – Westchester 3
Yellow Cards: Cosmos 2 – Westchester 3
Davide Corti | New York Cosmos | Head Coach
“We believe this result was important for the morale of the group, especially with three very important matches ahead over the next two weeks,” said Davide Corti.
“After conceding two goals, the team responded well and stayed together instead of collapsing like we have at times this season. To come back, stay on track, and win the match gives us a boost of positive energy heading into the trip to California, the home match, and then the trip to Florida.”
Anderson Holt | New York Cosmos | Defender
“Really proud of the team for the comeback win. We’re super thankful for all the support from the fans and hoping to take this momentum into California next week.”
Nick Mendonca | New York Cosmos | Midfielder
“I’m happy to help the team with a goal, and the subs that came into the game in the second half did an unbelievable job helping close it out. Thank you to the fans that came out and supported us.”