Cosmos Shut out Minnesota in Road Draw

Published on September 20, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
New York Cosmos News Release


BLAINE, MN - The New York Cosmos finished off an unbeaten regular season series against Minnesota United FC via a scoreless road draw Saturday night.

"We moved the ball well and with speed," said Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese after the game. "I thought it was a good performance looking at intensity of the effort. It was definitely an even game.

"We didn't allow them to score, picked up a point and kept them from getting three points. A lot of positives. We just have to keep working."

The best opportunity for the Cosmos to break through came in the first half. In the 19th minute, a ball was played inside the penalty area to Lucky Mkosana. The Zimbabwean forward dished over to Walter Restrepo, who cut back to his left leg and shot just high of the goal.

New York (6-5-2) once again had a chance to break the scoreless tie in the 53rd minute off a corner kick. The Cosmos played the ball to the deep post for Raúl, but the Spanish legend's shot was saved by United goalkeeper Sammy N'Djock.

"It was a game that could've gone to either side," said Cosmos midfielder Ruben Bover, who made his second start of the year. "Some moments we played a bit too slow, but once we start playing our game, we were doing a really good job."

Minnesota (6-5-2) was playing its third game in eight days. The Loons built their best scoring opportunity in the 84th minute. Substitute Alejandro Vela secured the ball eight yards out, but his right-footed strike was saved by the left hand of Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer.

In the 69th minute Minnesota's Daniel Mendes scored on a redirection of a free kick, but the goal was called back due to a handball.

"I saw clearly that one of their players touched the ball with his hand," said Savarese. "The referee did a good job of disallowing it."

Loons striker Christian Ramirez netted another in the 73rd minute, but was ruled in an offside position.

With the result New York extended its unbeaten streak against United FC to eight matches. The Cosmos have yet to drop a game to Minnesota in the reboot era.

Saturday's game began a pivotal stretch for the Cosmos. They will play five matches against teams within four points of the them in the Fall Standings.

New York heads home for the next game, meeting up with Fall Season leaders Ottawa Fury FC on Tuesday, September 22. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET from Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University. It will be Hispanic Heritage Night at the stadium, which includes an appearance from Miss Universe, a postgame autograph session with the Cosmos' Hispanic stars and more.

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