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Scouting The Opponent: Puerto Rico FC

Puerto Rico has never beaten New York
Published Oct 18, 2017

The New York Cosmos meet Puerto Rico FC for the fifth time this season with a 7:30 p.m. meeting on Wednesday, October 18 at Central Broward Stadium in Lauderhill, FL. New York is 3-1-0 (W-D-L) against Puerto Rico this season, with the Cosmos winning the last meeting, 1-0, at MCU Park on October 1.

Due to the effects of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico FC is set to play the remainder of its season on the U.S. mainland as relief efforts continue in Puerto Rico. The game is the first of two games matches in central Florida for Puerto Rico FC.

On the field, Puerto Rico FC has had a rough season as they sit in the basement of the combined standings with a 3-10-15 record for 19 points, seven behind the next closest club.

The Cosmos should not take Puerto Rico lightly, however, as three points are crucial for New York’s postseason push.

Here are a few players New York will need to be on top of in order to get the three points.

Goalkeeper: Trevor Spangenberg

Look for 26-year-old goalkeeper, Trevor Spangenberg, to get the start in net for Puerto Rico FC. He’s been the club’s number one keeper all season, starting 21 games while making 46 saves on 73 total shots.

Spangenberg was at the top of his game in the Cosmos’ most recent meeting with PRFC. Although he and his club lost 1-0 in New York, Spangenberg kept Puerto Rico in the game with a season-high seven saves. The American keeper also recorded a clean sheet in the season-opening draw vs. New York on March 25, and gave up four goals in a 4-3 loss in Brooklyn on May 14.

Defender: Ramón Soria

A mainstay on the PRFC back line this year, 28-year-old defender, Ramón Soria, figures to be in that spot again on Wednesday night in Florida. In 27 games this season, Soria has completed 884 of his team-high 1,055 passes for an 83.8 percent accuracy rate.

In the back, New York will need to get through Soria in order to get to the goal, as the Spaniard leads his club with 77 total clearances and has won 17 of 21 tackles for the season.

Midfielder: Jordi Quintillá

After beginning his professional career in Spain in 2012, Jordi Quintillá made his way to North America in 2015 after signing with Sporting Kansas City. That season, his penalty kick in a wild shootout gave Sporting a 1-1 (7-6) win over Philadelphia Union in the final of the U.S. Open Cup.

After signing with Puerto Rico at the start of this season, Quintillá has been one of the club’s top midfielders. In 24 games, he leads the team with 89 total crosses and is tied for fourth in the NASL with 42 chances created. The midfielder did not record a shot in PRFC’s most recent meeting with the Cosmos on October 1, and the Cosmos will look for a similar result in order to earn another win.

Forward: Conor Doyle

Puerto Rico FC’s leading goal scorer is 26-year-old forward, Conor Doyle. Over 26 games, the American has scored five times while also ranking second on the team with 35 chances created and fourth on the club with 26 shots.

The forward has represented both the United States and the Rebuplic of Ireland at the U20 and U21 levels, respectively. In his first season with Puerto Rico, Doyle has also been solid defensively as he’s won 27 of his 34 tackles and converted on 77.8 percent of his 803 passes.

For live updates from the match, follow @NYCosmos and #PRFCvNYC on Twitter.