(NASL 2015 Spring) New York Cosmos 2v0 Tampa Bay Rowdies

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.