(Photo: NYCFC.com)

BRONX, N.Y. (June 15, 2016) – Danny Szetela’s headed goal in the 88^th minute was the difference as the New York Cosmos defeated New York City FC in the Fourth Round of the U.S. Open Cup for a second straight year, prevailing 1-0 at Fordham University’s Coffey Field Wednesday night.

Szetela’s winning goal started on a quick counter as Adam Moffat had space to run up the middle of the field. He played the ball to his left for Yohandry Orozco, who lofted a cross to an open Szetela. The Polish-American midfielder headed in from just inside the six-yard box.

“The feeling is great because it's two New York teams, the East River Derby,” Szetela said. “I think it shows an NASL side can do well in the Open Cup. Our goal has been set from the beginning of the year to win it, and I think we can compete against any team.”

This is the third consecutive year the Cosmos have advanced to the Open Cup's Round of 16. They have won three out of four matches against NYCFC and the New York Red Bulls in the competition.

“Derbies are important matches,” said Cosmos Head Coach Giovanni Savarese. “When you play derbies, these are the games that make the sport grow in New York. For us to be able to show we can compete is an important thing.”

The Cosmos had the better scoring chances of a scoreless first half. In the sixth minute, Juan Arango intercepted a bad clearance by NYCFC goalkeeper Eirik Johansen and put a shot from 14 yards out on frame. But Johansen did well to push the attempt away.

In the 15^th minute, Orozco cut inside of a defender to create space, but Johansen again parried away. Later in the first half, Jairo Arrieta played Szetela behind the NYCFC defense. Johansen pounced off his line to corral the ball.

Jimmy Maurer was pressed into action after halftime, knocking aside a dipping shot from distance by Diego Martinez in the 54^th minute. In the 68^th minute, Maurer pushed away a bouncing shot by Patrick Mullins. Five minutes later Mullins beat Maurer to a ball over the top before Hunter Freeman bravely cleared off the near post.

“I’m very content in the way our team was organized tactically, the way they were disciplined,” Savarese said. “I don’t remember that many opportunities. The guys were able to cover and give what the game needed.”

The Cosmos' next Open Cup opponent will be decided via a draw beginning at 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 16.