(NASL 2015 Fall) New York Cosmos 1v1 Indy Eleven

Sunday 5th July 2015
Hofstra University, New York   Attendance -  3,647

Cosmos and Indy fought out yet another draw in the Fall season opener, their 5th ever meeting, all ending in draws. It was a below par performance from the Spring season champions, who had a much changed team with no Ayoze, Roversio Freeman, with Raul and Restrepo on the bench.

The home side enjoyed most of the early possession and forced a few corners, but had little to show for their efforts in the early stages. As the half wore on Indy started to come into the game but Stokkelien had a good chance to take the lead, but elected to shoot at the near post allowing Nicht to make a save.

3mins later and Indy took the lead after a defensive error from Mulligan. The right back's poor touch allowed Stojkov to block Mulligan's clearance and the ball looped invitingly for Wojcik, who produced a great controlled volley past Maurer.

Indy continued to trouble the makeshift defence and Le Croix got behind the Cosmos defence to produce a dangerous low cross which needed Guenzatti to lash the ball away from danger. There was more danger in the Cosmos area later in the half when Jimmy had to tip an unchallenged header from just under his bar.

Indy threatened again just before half time as Ring robbed Senna on the halfway line and only a misplaced pace stopped his team mate from having a one on one with Maurer.

Restrepo and Cosmos B striker Bover were introduced to the action as Cosmos went in search of an equaliser, but they had to survive another sticky moment after Le Croix worked some space for himself and forced Maurer into a diving save. The loose ball luckily fell to a Cosmos player who cleared the danger.

Indy continued to create chances and Le Croix missed a golden opportunity to double Indy's lead as he was put through on goal after a ball was slipped past the high Cosmos back line.

Le Croix took the ball round Maurer, but went too wide and was unable to get a shot on goal as the Cosmos defence rushed back to cover.

The home side got an equaliser to keep their unbeaten run going, but it had a touch of fortune to it. Guenzatti played in Restrepo, who had his shot saved, but the rebound took a fortunate deflection off Restrepo and back into the net.

Indy continued to threaten with their pacy attacks and soon after the equaliser Maurer had to be quick off his line to snuff out another dangerous ball. Charlie Rudd had another opportunity for Indy with an unchallenged header soon after, but could only direct the effort straight at Maurer.

Cosmos almost snatched a winner as Guenzatti had the ball in the net in the closing minutes, but the effort was rightfully cancelled out due to offside.