(NASL 2013 Fall) New York Cosmos 1v0 Minnesota United

Saturday 14th September 2013
Hofstra University, New York   Attendance -  6,081

The Cosmos may be sitting atop of the League following the victory against Minnesota, but it was hardly a Championship performance as the Cosmos again laboured to a narrow victory.

It took another late goal to seal the 3pts as Guenzatti got on the end of a Hunter Freeman cross to head the only goal of a disappointing match.

Cosmos had to survive the last few minutes of the game with 10 men, when Freeman went from hero to villain as he was sent off following a 2 footed challenge.

Cosmos had the better of the 1st half, but failed to fashion a clear cut chance on goal although Guenzatti had the crowd off their feet early on as they thought he had given the home side an early lead, but his shot had hit the side netting.

The Minnesota Keeper had to stop himself carrying the ball over his own goal line following a deft header from Carlos Mendes, but the visitors goal was rarely troubled as Savarese's decision to go with  new striking partnership of Kashiwashe and Guenzatti, did not look to be bearing fruit.

But Minnesota were also having difficulty in the final third, with star striker Pablo Campos well marshalled by Roversio.

The best chance of the half fell to Minnesota midfielder Franks in stoppage time, but with the goal gaping he wildly shot over, to let off the home side.

Any words of encouragement from the home dressing room seemed to fall on deaf ears, as it was the away team who started the 2nd half better. Ibarra was causing Cosmos problems down the wing and had 2 opportunities to open the scoring, first let down by a heavy touch and his second effort flew well over.

But as the 2nd half wore on, Cosmos started to take a grip on the game, and in 78th minute Guenzatti converted to give New York the lead.

Cosmos had hardly finished celebrating when they were reduced to 10 men following Freeman's poor challenge, and Minnesota almost profited straight away when Franks curling cross almost crept in at the far post, but Gorskie was on hand to clear off the line for New York.

A dull game had now come alive and Ayoze, one of Cosmos better attacking players came close with an effort after several twists and turns fashioned himself a shooting opportunity.

In the dying minutes both sides had a chance to score, Minnesota captain Pitchkolan wasted a chance to level these cores when he headed wide, and at the other end, with Minnesota caught upfield pushing for an equaliser, Ayoze struck the bar.

But it was academic as Cosmos held on, and with Carolina and Tampa drawing their match, Cosmos can enjoy 1st place in the table for the first time this season.

Minnesota United 1
Scorers - Moroney 49

Saturday 7th September 2013
Hofstra University, New York   Attendance -  5,598