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Cosmos Advance in Open Cup with Win over Jersey Express

June 1, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
New York Cosmos News Release


JAMAICA, N.Y. - On Wednesday night, the New York Cosmos emerged from their first U.S. Open Cup match of 2016 as 2-0 victors over Premier Development League (PDL) side Jersey Express at Belson Stadium on the campus of St. John's University.

"The first match is always the toughest," said Cosmos Head Coach Giovanni Savarese. "If we didn't have the right mindset to respect our opponent, we might not have gotten the job done. But because we came here mentally prepared, we were able to control the match."

Cosmos midfielder Ruben Bover nearly opened the scoring in the 21st minute. The Spaniard latched onto a loose ball inside the edge of the penalty area, pivoted left and rocketed a low shot that clanged off the near post. His second shot attempt on the rebound sailed over the crossbar.

It was fellow Spaniard Ayoze who would break the scoreless tie 14 minutes later. The Cosmos fullback placed his straight-on free kick from 20 yards inside the upper left corner of the net, beating Jersey Express goalkeeper David Greczek and giving the hosts a 1-0 lead they would take into halftime.

Less than 10 minutes into the second half, the Cosmos nearly tacked on a second score. Striker Lucky Mkosana beat Greczek at the near post, flicking a cross into the net in the 54th minute, but he was deemed offside.

Fullback Hunter Freeman and substitute winger Yohandry Orozco combined to provide the second-half breakthrough for New York in the 72nd minute. Orozco shook off his defender in the 18-yard box and charged unmarked to the far post. Freeman's cross was perfect, and the 25-year-old Venezuelan blasted in his header from four yards.

The Cosmos and Express also met in the Third Round of the 2015 U.S. Open Cup, with New York winning 3-0 at Belson Stadium on May 27.

With this result the Cosmos move on to face Major League Soccer (MLS) side New York City FC in the Fourth Round on Wednesday, June 15 at Fordham University's Coffey Field. The Cosmos defeated NYCFC at this stage a year ago in thrilling fashion, coming back from two goals down in the second half to triumph in a penalty shootout.

"I always say that these are extremely important games," said Savarese of the impending rematch. "These are derbies. These are games that grow the sport. Being able to play against New York City FC again will be exciting. We know it'll be a different game, and we'll prepare for that."

Before that match, the Cosmos will play their final game of the NASL Spring Season against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers this Saturday, June 4 at Lockhart Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. New York can clinch the Spring Season Championship with a win.



North American Soccer League Stories from June 1, 2016


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