Saturday 18th April 2015
Hofstra University, New York Attendance - 12,550
Cosmos
moved to the top of the Spring standings following a 2v0 win over the
previously unbeaten Tampa Bay Rowdies. In front of packed out 12,250 crowd, Cosmos were gifted
an early lead when in trying to prevent Mads Stokkelien from connecting
from Restrepo cross, Rowdies Darnell
King handled the ball in the area.
Marcos
Senna converted the penalty with typical aplomb to put the home side ahead.
The
rest of the half saw Cosmos on top, with Rowdies struggling.
The
Rowdies almost gave away a second when a clearing header from Mkandawire almost looped over Rowdies Keeper
Contofalsky, but the stopper managed to tip the ball over. The Rowdies Keeper
was called into action again to make a decent save from Danny Szetela, while at
the other end Jimmy Maurer was called upon, but the Rowdies player did not make
the most of his opportunity and it was a comfortable save in the end.
Cosmos
extended their lead early in the 2nd half. Restrepo made a burst down the right
wing from a Senna pass and his clever cut back fell
perfectly for Leo Fernandes who calmly placed the ball into the net.
Cosmos
played possession football to prevent Rowdies from mounting a comeback,
although they did manage some efforts on goal.
Hristov
shot over in the 59th minute from a King cross and fired wide with another
chance later in the match.
It
was only in the final 10mins of the match that the Rowdies really started to
apply the pressure
Nunez
had a shot saved late in the game, but the Rowdies failed to test Maurer enough
as the Cosmos recorded a deserved victory.
Despite
failing to score Raul put in a brilliant performance, controlling the tempo and
had much the better of his opponent on the day.
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