(NASL 2014 Fall) Fort Lauderdale Strikers 1v1 New York Cosmos

Saturday 26th July 2014
Lockhart Stadium, Fort Lauderdale   Attendance -  3,257

The New York Cosmos passed up a golden opportunity to record a second consecutive victory on the road after failing to beat a struggling Fort Lauderdale side reduced to 10 men for most of the game. Johnson gave the Cosmos a dream start after heading Cosmos ahead after just 7 mins after an accurate flighted chip from Dennisen.

Fort Lauderdale, without a win in 7 games and already looked a beaten side as Cosmos went in search of a second goal. The lively Johnson sprayed a beautiful long ball to Stokkelien who beat his man brilliantly, only to roll the ball wide.

The miss didn't seem to matter as a second goal only looked a matter of time, but against the run of play Fort Lauderdale levelled matters after being awarded a penalty after an Ayoze handball from a cross from the home side. Brito converted the penalty, and soon after he had a chance to give the home side an unexpected lead, only for Maurer to make a brilliant save from close range.

Cosmos did have the ball in the net soon after, but Stokkelien's effort was chalked off for offside after he converted from a rebound after an effort  from Dennisen had been well saved. The home side were reduced to 10 men shortly before half time after a dangerous challenge by Rolando Vieira in his first start for the Strikers.

Despite the numerical advantage, Cosmos made a lethargic start to the 2nd half, although Stokkelien was presented with another chance to score after a Dennisen pass, but the striker dwelled too long on the ball and the chance went begging.

Marcos Senna was introduced to proceedings as substitute, but the Cosmos continued to pass up opportunities with Stokkelien again at fault as he failed to take the ball round the Keeper after a good ball from Guenzatti. Guenzatti had the best chance to gain all 3 points for the New York side but blazed well over in front of goal.

Savarese threw on Dimitrov as an extra striker, but it opened up space for Fort Lauderdale to break quickly and the 10 men almost snatched victory as Maurer was brought into action to tip over a Manny Gonzalez free kick and in another attack Defender King went on a mazy run and shot just wide.

Dimitrov almost got the winner at the death as his effort in stoppage time crashed against the underside of the bar, but ultimately the New York Cosmos inability to take their chances was to blame as they could only leave Florida with a point.