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Open Cup Game Guide: Cosmos vs. Jersey Express

The Cosmos look to continue their hot streak on Wednesday as they enter the 2015 U.S. Open Cup.
Published May 26, 2015

By Aaron Cheris

Who

New York Cosmos (NASL) vs. Jersey Express (USL PDL)

U.S. Open Cup, Third Round

When & Where

Wednesday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET

Belson Stadium on the campus of St. John’s University in Queens

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The Stakes

New York Cosmos: In one of their most complete performances of the season, the Cosmos blanked the San Antonio Scorpions 3-0 last Saturday at Shuart Stadium. Raúl converted a penalty kick in the 18th minute to give the Cosmos a 1-0 halftime lead. In the second half Rovérsio and Leo Fernandes added goals off headers to secure the victory. Jimmy Maurer made three saves to earn his fifth clean sheet of the year.

The Cosmos sit atop the NASL standings with 18 points so far this season and have not lost a game, earning five wins and three draws through their first eight games. A win against Jersey Express would set up a fourth round Open Cup matchup with Major League Soccer’s New York City FC, who awaits the winner of the fixture.
 

Jersey Express: In the first round of the U.S. Open Cup, the Express knocked off the New York Greek Americans 3-0 on May 14 to earn their first tournament win in club history. In the second round the Express continued their winning ways, beating New York Red Bulls II 1-0 on May 20 to earn a date with the Cosmos in the third round.

Veteran goalkeeper Matthew Turner has posted consecutive clean sheets, making three saves in each win. Chris Karcz scored the winner against Red Bulls II off a header on a set piece. Jersey comes in the underdog against New York, and a win against the Cosmos would be an impressive and significant one. Just two PDL teams advanced to the fourth round of the Open Cup in 2014, and neither the Laredo Heat nor the Orlando City U-23s could get past that stage.

History

The Cosmos and Jersey Express have never met before, but the modern Cosmos are familiar with the U.S. Open Cup.

Last season the Cosmos played in the Open Cup for the first time in club history. They earned their first win on May 28, 2014, beating the Brooklyn Italians 2-0 in the third round.

In the fourth round on June 14, the Cosmos defeated the New York Red Bulls. Forward Mads Stokkelien scored twice as the Cosmos won 3-0.

In the fifth round on June 24, the Cosmos fell to the Philadelphia Union 2-1 in extra time. It was a physical match at PPL Park in Pennsylvania, and the Union would become Open Cup runners-up to Seattle Sounders FC. 

Notes

  • The Cosmos third round U.S. Open Cup matchup against the Brooklyn Italians in 2014 was also played at Belson Stadium on the campus of St. John’s University.
  • Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer has posted five clean sheets so far this season. His 21 saves lead the NASL, and his 18th career NASL shutout on May 23 made him the league record holder in the modern era.
  • Through eight NASL games the Cosmos have taken 62 shots, most in the league.

Quotes

“To me, it’s the most difficult game out of any in the U.S. Open Cup. Always the first match, it’s the most difficult.”

-Giovanni Savarese

“When the Open Cup comes, it’s always an interesting challenge. It’s always enjoyable getting to play teams outside of our league and seeing where the chips fall. We just have to try to take it one game at the time.”

-Jimmy Maurer