By Cosmos News Service

INDIANAPOLIS (July 25, 2015) – The New York Cosmos and Indy Eleven finished even on the scoreboard Saturday night at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. It was sixth draw in six meetings, and the second 1-1 result between the two squads this Fall Season. They finished that way back at Hofstra University's Shuart Stadium on July 5.

“As usual,” Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese said after the game. “The sixth game in a row we tied. There were some good moments and some other things probably that we should have done better.”

Cosmos winger Walter Restrepo finished clinically inside the far post following a nice buildup with Spanish legend Raúl to give the Cosmos (0-2-1, 5-7-1) a 1-0 lead in first half stoppage time. Restrepo also scored the equalizer against Indy on July 5.

“Such a great goal, Restrepo linking with Raúl," said Savarese. "Raúl played a great ball and it was a great finish. We found our reward after so many chances."

But seconds later, Indy midfielder Dylan Mares chested down a long ball in the box and put a shot inside the far post from 12 yards out. That would be the game's final goal.

One positive in the second half for Savarese was the play of U.S. U-17 international striker Haji Wright, who made his NASL debut when he came on for captain Carlos Mendes in the 69^th minute.

"I thought he brought life, he moved well, showed some of his qualities,” Savarese said. “For a 17-year-old making his debut, it was a very positive day for him. That’s what we want, we want him to develop and grow. He’s going to grow in these matches.”

“It's exciting getting my NASL debut," said Wright. "The level of play is stronger and quicker than anything I’ve experienced, and it was a welcome challenge to get 20-plus minutes of match time out there. There were things I could've done better, but overall I thought it was a decent performance.”

Savarese was forced to make two substitutions after midfielder Adam Moffat left with tightness in his calf and Mendes went off with tightness in his hamstring in a two-minute span midway through the second half.

“It’s nothing serious," said Savarese, "but it’s important we maintain both of them healthy for the matches to come."

The first change Savarese made came in the 61^st minute when Sebastian Guenzatti replaced Lucky Mkosana, but Guenzatti’s day lasted all of four minutes when he and Indy Eleven defender Erick Norales received straight red cards for a confrontation.

"They go for every second ball. They run all over the field, and they’re tireless," Wright said of the home side. "Indy is an aggressive team that fights for the whole game. This was a good point away from home, but I thought we had our chances.”

New York plays at home next, matching up against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on August 2. That contest begins a run of three games in the span of a week.

“For me everyone is a starter on this team," Savarese said. "Everyone will have the opportunity to play, but they have to show if they really want to play. These are great moments for the players to take advantage of. I’m looking forward to catching up in games, and hopefully getting back to the top of the table.”