(NASL 2015 Spring) Fort Lauderdale Strikers 0v1 New York Cosmos

Saturday 4th April 2015
Lockhart Stadium, Fort Lauderdale   Attendance -  11,691

The Cosmos recorded a hard fought win in Fort Lauderdale against a new look Strikers side thanks to a Leo Fernandes goal on his Cosmos debut. The Fort Lauderdale side that reached last years Soccerbowl had been torn apart under new Brazilian ownership, including the new owner Brazilian legend Ronaldo, but they had recruited several new players, including Corinthians Leo Maurer. 

The home side started well and could have easily got an early goal in front of a record crowd. PC's shot was deflected into the path of Stefano Pinho, but Maurer managed to block the effort from the Striker who did not have much time to react to the chance. Seconds later a Moura cross was hooked dangerously back across the Cosmos goal but with the ball only a couple of yards from the goaline, the Cosmos defence managed to hook the ball away. The ball came straight back though and Adeleye had a chance, but could only fire into the side netting as the Cosmos survived  a major scare early on.

The Cosmos did improve as the half wore on, but failed to trouble David Meves in the Fort Lauderdale goal. The closest the visitors came to a goal was  dangerous cross from the left from Fenandes that was just out of reach of Raul. But it was the Strikers who were looking more likely to score and they came close when PC beat Gorskie all ends up, but his well struck effort was saved by Maurer to deny the home side.

But Cosmos almost snatched an undeserved lead In 1st half stoppage time amid chaos in the Fort Lauderdale box. A cross fell into the path of Fernandes who slipped as he shot on goal. The ball fell to former Striker Walter Restrepo, whose shot was blocked on the line by Meves. The ball then fell back to Fernandes whose effort was deflected onto the post, with the Strikers defence all over the place.

The Strikers came out in the 2nd half eager to maintain their good play and almost took the lead from a corner as Maurer failed to connect with the ball and Ayoze had to clear off the line.  Only minutes earlier, a subdued Raul had been subbed on his league debut, a precautionary move due to a hamstring complaint. A goal looked on the cards, and it came soon after, although it surprisingly came from the Cosmos. Two new Cosmos signings linked up to good effect as Restrepo's corner was  powerfully headed in by Leo Fernandes on loan from the Philadelphia Union.

Cosmos improved after the goal, although they had still to force Meves into making a save, while Strikers still threatened, although now less frequently.

Leo Maurer sent a free kick narrowly wide, close enough to fool several in attendance that he had fashioned an equaliser. It was another quiet night for Stokkelien, but he had an effort deflected over in the 78th minute as Cosmos continued to grow late in the game.

As the game neared its conclusion Fort Lauderdale looked like a side who had run out of ideas and Cosmos almost took advantage when Guenzatti eventually forced a save from Meves in the 90th minute from a first time volley at the far post that could have doubled the scoreline.