The New York Cosmos will be on the road to battle league leaders, Miami FC, on Saturday, June 24. The teams last played each other in April, with the Cosmos on the winning end of a 0-2 result at Riccardo Silva Stadium. A 58th minute header by Danny Szetela, along with Ayoze's stoppage time penalty, dealt Miami their only defeat so far in the 2017 NASL Spring Season.

 

Both teams approach the matchup with big wins under their belts. The Cosmos (3rd, 5W-5D-2L) retained their unbeaten streak against Puerto Rico FC, giving the visitors a 4-2 hammering at MCU Park. An early free kick by Ayoze marked his third goal of the season, making him the Cosmos' current top scorer. Emmanuel Ledesma and Walter Restrepo both added their second goals in 2017. Ledesma tied the game, while Restrepo restored New York's lead. Forward, Pablo Vranjicán, added a fourth to the scoreboard in his Cosmos debut. Minutes after coming off the bench, the Argentine collected a through ball from center, pivoting to pick up a back pass from an opposition defender to score in the final moments of stoppage time.

 

When it comes to away games, the Cosmos are a force to be reckoned with. New York is one of three teams that has not lost on the road this season, winning three times and drawing twice. The team has a good balance of attacking and defensive prowess, second in the league in goals scored (18) and tied for second in shutouts (5).

 

Miami FC (1st, 8W-3D-1L) cruised to a 4-0 victory at home over Jacksonville Armada FC. Alessandro Nesta's men haven't lost in the NASL since falling 0-2 to the Cosmos on April 8. The team's form can be attributed to consistent play by goalkeeper, Daniel Vega, who leads the league in clean sheets with six, one more than New York's Jimmy Maurer. The Cosmos will be tasked with getting past Vega as well as keeping forward, Vincenzo Rennella, at bay. Rennella currently leads the NASL in goals (7), assists (4), and shots (30).

 

The matchup between New York and Miami FC will add intrigue, as three former Cosmos players feature in Miami's roster. Defenders, Gabriel Farfán and Hunter Freeman, as well as midfielder, Michael Lahoud, could face their former teammates on Saturday.

 

The Cosmos have a 4-0-1 (W-D-L) record against Miami FC, outscoring the opposition 12-5. New York has never lost to Miami on the road. Saturday's game will be the third meeting between the teams in the 2017 NASL Spring Season. The Cosmos are the only team to have beaten Miami in 12 weeks of league play.

 

Coverage begins on Saturday, June 24 at 7:30 pm on MSG Networks and BeIN Sports.