It has been quite a memorable five weeks for Aaron Dennis.
 
On March 22, he tallied his first international goal for the U.S. Virgin Islands in a Concacaf Nations Cup win.
 
On Saturday night, the Elmont, N.Y., native scored the New York Cosmos' first goal of the National Premier Soccer League season in their 2-0 season-opening victory over the New York Athletic Club at Mitchel Athletic Complex.
 
Dennis said he was "super happy."
 
"I thought about it all week," he added. "I had a good week of training. I'm happy to get on the scoresheet, but more importantly, I am happy we got the three points. I was a little rusty, there's a lot to improve on for me and the team, but we have a lot of time. It's only the first game."

There's nothing like a goal in a striker's first game to lift one's confidence. Dennis scored in the 17th minute, converting a Joey Sanchez (Uniondale, N.Y.) feed.
 
"It does a lot for me personally, but like I said, getting the three points and being able to score is obviously nice," Dennis said.

Head coach Carlos Mendes felt the former Elmont High School standout can now use his goal and performance to boost him for the rest of the season. The Cosmos visit Kingston Stockade FC on Saturday night in their first away game.
 
"It's a confidence builder," he said. "You work hard and put yourself in a good spot and be rewarded, I think you can carry it over."
 
As the team walked back to the locker room after the final whistle, Dennis experienced the postgame ritual for players, especially ones that have acquitted themselves well. He signed autographs and posed for selfies with the fans.
 
"It was nice," he said. "As a player you live for those moments."
 
As do the team’s supporters. Some 3,750 fans showed up.
 
"It looked crowded. They're into the game," Dennis said. "Afterwards, there was a nice reception for the players. Hopefully, they will keep on coming and we'll keep on entertaining."
 
Cosmos fans will have an opportunity to watch the team play in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against Black Rock FC at Rocco B. Commisso Stadium in New York City on Wednesday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m.

The team’s next game at Mitchel will be against Boston City FC on Saturday, May 11, at 7 p.m.