Sunday 26th April 2014
Hofstra University, New York Attendance - 4,130
The Cosmos fell to their first home defeat since the rebirth of the Club following a 1v0 reverse to the San Antonio Scorpions. The Texas side grabbed a shock lead early in the first half and put up a defensive rearguard that the home side could not find a way past, although it has to be said the final ball from the Cosmos was frequently poor and as a result the Scorpions rarely looked stretched.
The Cosmos started full of attacking intent and Jemal Johnson had a well struck shot blocked after just 2mins and Stokkelien squandered a chance when he failed to connect with a cross to the far post.
But it was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play when Barrera brilliantly weaved his way through the Cosmos defence, and although his shot was well saved by Maurer, luck was against the Cosmos as the rebound fell straight onto the head of Eric Hassli, who had the simple task of guiding it into the net.
The goal ended a shutout streak that ended on 372 mins, but not before it broke the NASL record earlier in the match.
For the rest of the half the Scorpions retreated deep into their own half surrendering possession, but Cosmos' slow tempo football was always played in front of the mass ranks of the Scorpions defence, and Scorpions Keeper David Bingham had little to do.
Scorpions improved in the 2nd half and did not defend as deep, and actually could have extended their lead when Borrajo's free kick beat Maurer, only to denied by the crossbar.
Cosmos were slowly starting to apply the pressure and created efforts from Szetela and Johnson which came close, but there was no way through the organised San Antonio bodies, and San Antonio recorded a historic victory with Cosmos suffering their first ever defeat at Hofstra University dating back to 1972.
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