(NASL 2015 Fall) New York Cosmos 1v4 Ottawa Fury

Tuesday 22nd September 2015
Hofstra University, New York   Attendance -  3,438

The undefeated home record of the Cosmos came to a crashing end with a 4v1 defeat to high flying Ottawa, the joint biggest defeat for New York in the modern era.

The Cosmos had the bulk of the possession on the first half, but Ottawa just sat back and gave away nothing at the back. All the home side had to show for their efforts in the first half was an effort from new signing Gaston Cellerino, that was easily blocked.

Ottawa took the lead on the half hour mark when a Richie Ryan free kick was headed across the penalty area by Falvey and Paulo Junior was first to the ball to fire past Maurer.

The Cosmos attack had been shut out in the first half, but needed only 2 minutes of the 2nd half to level matters. Ayoze delivered a cross to Flores, who expertly guided a header into the net to bring the sides level.

It looked as if New York were headed for another come from behind victory when they pressed on in search of a second as Peiser was called upon to stop an effort from Ayoze. But Ottawa did not read the script and regained the lead when Paulo Junior struck again, scoring from a tight angle in the 56th minute.

Again, Cosmos pressed for an equaliser and Peiser denied a well struck effort from Raul and Fernandes  was also denied by the Ottawa keeper. Hopes of getting something out of this game were ended by 2 quick strikes in the 77th and 78th minute.

Cosmos were caught throwing men forward and Ottawa made the home side pay with a swift counter attack that left the home side short at the back. Captain Carlos Mendes was racing back to try and prevent a goal, but he could only divert Heinemann's shot into the goal to put Ottawa 3v1 up.

It got worse for the Cosmos a minute later as Ottawa struck again when Heinemann was put through and he finished decisively to complete an emphatic victory.

The defeat now leaves Cosmos in danger of losing their grip on first place in the combined standings and moves Ottawa closer to their quest of winning the Fall Championship.