News

Points shared at Mitchel with Detroit

Published Sep 9, 2020

Despite enjoying a sizable territorial advantage, the New York Cosmos could not solve the Detroit City FC defense and settled for a scoreless draw at Mitchel Athletic Complex in the National Independent Soccer Association fall season on Wednesday night.

Playing their first game in 19 days since a 3-1 victory over New Amsterdam FC on Aug. 21, the Cosmos (1-0-2, 5 points) remained unbeaten in Eastern Division action.

Goalkeeper Jesse Corke, who was not severely tested, earned a clean sheet against Detroit (1-1-2, 5).

Both teams were without key performers. Cosmos midfielder-forward Darwin Espinal did not suit up. He was sick over the weekend. Detroit's regular goalkeeper, Nate Steinwascher, did not make the trip because he could not get time off from his day job as an accountant. Detroit City FC head coach Trevor James also stayed home as assistant coach Javi Bautista called the shots from the bench.

The Cosmos dominated possession in the first half but could not get many quality opportunities against a difficult Detroit City FC defense that closed down on the hosts in and around the penalty area.

Five minutes after the opening kickoff, New York's Shavon John-Brown tested goalkeeper Jean Antoine with a shot from the top of the box that the Haitian player saved.

Midfielder Danny Szetela was in the middle of the action, as he had a shot blocked in the 23rd minute and had a header caught by Antoine four minutes later.

Szetela was awarded one of four yellow cards in the opening 45 minutes after colliding with midfielder Ibrahim Conteh. Both players were shaken up as the Cosmos captain had a green bandage wrapped around the top of his head to continue for the remainder of the half. Szetela played the second half without the bandage.

Former New York City FC draft choice Parker Siegfried, who signed with the team on Tuesday, replaced Antoine in the nets at halftime. The visitors appeared to be content having five defenders sitting in deep while waiting for a counterattack or a set piece around the Cosmos goal.

Second-half substitute Geo Alves probably had the hosts' best chance in the second half as he volleyed Ansi Agolli's long feed from the left side, but Siegfried managed to gather in the ball.

The Cosmos return to action at Chattanooga FC in their fall regular season finale Saturday at 7:30 p.m. They will begin a two-day trek to Tennessee via bus on Thursday with an anticipated arrival on Friday.

They will start the NISA fall season playoffs on September 21.