(NASL 2015 Spring) Minnesota United 1v1 New York Cosmos

Saturday 30th May 2015

NSC Stadium, Minnesota   Attendance 9,317

Another late late equaliser from the Cosmos preserved their unbeaten run and edged them closer to the Spring Championship. Prior to the game the MLS bound Minnesota side knew that only a win would realistically keep their Spring Championship hopes alive, but a late Raul goal put a severe dent in the Loons hopes of a 2nd successive title.

Minnesota took an early lead under controversial circumstances in the 8th minute. A dangerous free kick was whipped in and Campos was on hand to divert the ball into the net, with replays indicating the ball went in off his arm and not his head.

It had been a good start from Minnesota and another dangerous attack needed the intervention of Mendes who cleared a cross over his own bar. From the resulting corner Maurer had to be alert and make a save as the ball came through a crowd of players at the near post.

Not long after and Maurer was scrambling across his goal after a shot from Pitchkolan after a long throw in from the right. But Cosmos finally showed their teeth in the match when Mkosana curled an effort narrowly wide after good work from Ayoze.

For the rest of the half the Cosmos enjoyed the majority of possession but failed to trouble the Minnesota keeper, with a wild Moffat shot being the best chance for the visitors. But Minnesota had a chance to double their lead on the stroke of halftime, but Juliano Vicentini could not keep his shot down as a  free-kick found it's way to him.

The home side created another chance shortly after the restart as Ibarra showed his pace down the left and set up Daniel Mendes whose shot was blocked. But the Cosmos soon settled down and Raul had a sight on goal just short of the hour mark, but got his shot horribly off target.

Cosmos continued their patient build up play and Restrepo had an effort hit the side netting on 65mins as Cosmos looked for an equaliser. But Minnesota remained a threat at the other end and Maurer had to make a save from an Ibarra volley.

As the game wore on the home side were pushed further back, but were still preventing any clear cut chances. But Cosmos patience was rewarded as the game approached the 90th minute a long Flores pass was beautifully chested down by Raul and as the Keeper came out to narrow the angle he slipped it into the net for a dramatic equaliser.