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Preview: League Record Within Reach Sunday

The Cosmos can tie their own NASL record for the longest unbeaten run at home.
Published Sep 29, 2016

WHO

  vs.  

WHEN & WHERE

Sunday, October 2 at 4 p.m. ET | Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University

WATCH & FOLLOW

THE STAKES

Playing their second-to-last home match of the regular season, the Cosmos can improve on an unblemished 12-2-0 (W-D-L) record at Shuart Stadium. They’ve outscored NASL opponents 31-6 on their home turf in 2016.

New York hasn't lost an NASL match at home in over a year. And before that late September defeat against Ottawa in 2015, the Cosmos were riding an 18-match home unbeaten streak, tied for the NASL record with the Carolina RailHawks. That means the Cosmos faithful have seen their side lose just once in the last 36 regular season home fixtures.

The boys in green are also speeding closer to locking up their spot in The Championship, the NASL's four-team postseason tournament.

MATCHUP HISTORY

Though the Strikers lead the season series, New York holds a commanding 6-3-1 record against the South Florida side since 2013. This will be Fort Lauderdale’s only regular season visit to the Empire State.

NOTES

Mr. 100: Ayoze is scheduled to become the second Cosmos player of the Modern Era to reach 100 club appearances. The Spanish fullback is on pace to hit the milestone against the Strikers Sunday afternoon. He’s leading the team in appearances (26) and minutes (2,197) this season. Captain Carlos Mendes made his 100th Cosmos appearance on September 17.

Separation: Wednesday’s 2-0 win over the Carolina RailHawks bumped the Cosmos up to a +14 goal differential for the Fall Season and a +21 differential overall. They’re first in both categories, leading Miami FC by five in the Fall Season and Indy Eleven by eight overall.

Final Five: Sunday’s showdown with Fort Lauderdale is one of New York’s five remaining regular season matches. Three of the five are away from Shuart Stadium. The Cosmos will travel to Ottawa (October 9) and Jacksonville (October 15), then host Miami FC (October 22) before a trip to Minnesota for their regular season finale (October 29).