News

New York Cosmos Fall To Miami FC In NPSL National Championship

Miami earned a second straight NPSL title with the win
Published Aug 4, 2019
The New York Cosmos' quest for a 10th title in club history fell short on Saturday night as they dropped a 3-1 decision to Miami FC in the National Premier Soccer League National Championship at Mitchel Athletic Complex.
 
Dylan Mares tallied twice within a two-minute span in the first half and Shawn Chin added an insurance goal five minutes into second-half added time before a crowd of 5,285.
 
The Cosmos (16-1-1) had their 17-game unbeaten streak snapped as Miami (15-1-0) won its 14th consecutive match.
 
The game lived up to its hype between the top two ranked teams in the league -- No. 1 Cosmos and No. 2 Miami as both sides attacked regularly.
 
The Cosmos, who hadn't allowed NPSL foes to score more than two goals in a contest this season, surrendered two within a two-minute span.
 
After the hosts lost the ball at midfield, Mares picked up the ball before finding Miguel Gonzalez on the right flank. Gonzalez crossed to Mares in the middle of the box and the Miami captain drilled a shot to the left of goalkeeper Paul Blanchette in the 24th minute.
 
Miami took advantage of another turnover to score in the 26th minute. Mares beat Blanchette as the Cosmos found themselves with a 2-0 deficit.
 
Former Albanian national team captain and left back Ansi Agolli, New York's most dangerous player in the first half, sliced the lead in half in the 31st minute. Agolli sent a free kick just outside the penalty area toward the net just over the head of forward Isaac Acuna and past goalkeeper Mark Pais.
 
Agolli, who didn't score a regular-season goal, finished with three in four playoff matches.
 
The Cosmos now turn thier attention to the NPSL Members Cup on Saturday, August 10, at Chattanooga FC before hosting the Milwaukee Torrent in their home opener on Saturday, August 17, at 7 p.m.