Tampa Bay Rowdies Fall 2-1 To New York Cosmos
Published on May 22, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. the New York Cosmos
(Tampa Bay Rowdies)
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y - The Tampa Bay Rowdies lost 2-1 to the New York Cosmos at James M. Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, New York.
After an 18th minute goal by forward Tommy Heinemann, the Rowdies looked to be in control of the match but the Cosmos scored two of their own to give the home team a 2-1 lead going into the half. First-half substitute Danny Mwanga had a goal waived off for offside in the dying minutes that would have tied it up for the Rowdies.
The Rowdies goal was initiated by midfielder Kalif Alhassan, who after fighting off a Cosmos defender, placed a crafty through ball to Heinemann. As Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer came off his line, the forward slotted the ball past him to make it 1-0.
The lead lasted just over 10 minutes, as the Cosmos would equalize in the 32nd minute. A great series of passes left midfielder Juan Arango alone on goal with only Rowdies goalkeeper Matt Pickens to beat. Unselfishly, the Venezuelan spotted forward Yasmani Duk to his right and laid it off to the Bolivian for him to tap it in.
Moments after the goal, forward Tommy Heinemann was forced off the field due to injury, with forward Danny Mwanga replacing him.
The Cosmos went up 2-1 in the 40th minute, after a goal scored by midfielder Ruben Bover. Arango picked up his second assist of the match with a perfectly placed cross that found an incoming Bover. The substitute volleyed his shot past Pickens from inside the 18-yard box.
The Spanish midfielder came on early in the match after midfielder Niko Kranjcar was forced off the pitch due to injury.
The Rowdies came out in the second half hunting for the equalizer, knowing that three points would put them close to the top of the table.
Despite controlling the match in the second half, the Rowdies struggled to create any dangerous chances going up against a tough and organized Cosmos defense.
Mwanga nearly leveled the match in the 59th minute but his header was off target after a perfect cross by midfielder Joe Cole.
The Rowdies looked to have tied the game in the 83rd minute, but a controversial offside call denied Mwanga his first goal of the season and the potential equalizer. Cole whipped in a great cross from the left flank, which Mwanga headed past Maurer.
As the 93rd minute rolled around, defender Tamika Mkandawire had one last opportunity off a header but the ball was cleared off the line.
The Rowdies are back in action next Saturday, when they travel to face Minnesota United FC.
Images from this story
 Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. the New York Cosmos |
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