(NASL 2017 Champ. Semi-Final) Miami FC 0v0 New York Cosmos (aet - 5v6 on pens)

Sunday 5th November 2017
Riccardo Silva Stadium, Miami   Attendance -  7,115

Jimmy Maurer was the hero as an inspired performance in Miami led the Cosmos to a 3rd successive Soccerbowl appearance after pipping Miami on penalties following a goalless 120mins. Miami had the clearer chances in the game but could find no way past Maurer and New York kept their nerve from the spot when the match went to penalties.

Events off the field overshadowed the match with the League losing their appeal for an injunction to hold onto the status of 2nd Division, leaving a serious question mark over the Leagues ability to continue next season.

But as far as events of the pitch went the home side showed some early signs of promise as Dylan Mares was found with a great cross field ball but with Pinho well placed for a tap in, Mares could not direct his nod down well enough and the chance went begging.

Miami should have taken the lead after 15mins after Miami carved open the Cosmos defence. Rennella beat the offside trap and with Miami forward racing through he found Pinho unmarked but the strikers effort bounced off the top of the net, letting New York off.

Cosmos saw out the spell of pressure and started to see more of the ball although their play continually broke down around the edge of the area. But Miami had another dangerous spell just before half time which left Cosmos hanging on. Miami forced Cosmos to lose possession in their own half and Mares sprinted clear, but Maurer came to the rescue with a save to keep the scores level at the half.

Miami had another great chance to take the lead early in the 2nd half after a couple of mistakes at the back by New York. Jakovic should have dealt with a rabona pass from Chavez easily, but a miscontrol let in Rennella, but the Miami man's toe poked effort rolled narrowly wide of the post. Seconds later and a heavy touch from Maurer from a back pass allowed Chavez to close in on the keeper. Maurer slid in and clattered into Chavez, but fortunately for the away side the referee did not deem it a foul.

But Cosmos had a better 2nd half without really looking like scoring. The closest they came was a well struck effort from Flores forced Vega into a save and Ledesma went close with another effort from outside of the box. Miami were no longer dominating but still had the clear chances and Pinho was denied by another great Maurer stop after 73mins after being left unmarked in the box.

Cosmos continued to grow into the game as the semi final moved into the first half of extra time and Starikov came as close as anyone to breaking the deadlock, linking up well with sub Lucky Mkosana before striking the inside of the post with an effort. Soon after and Maurer was in action again as Blake Smith fashioned a chance but Maurer was there again to deny Miami, this time saving with his legs.

The 2nd half of extra time saw Miami pinned back in their own half for long periods, but Cosmos could not find a winner although they should have had a penalty when a Starikov cross struck the arm of Freeman, but again no penalty was awarded.

The 2 sides had to be separated by penalties to see who would play in the final.

Michel had been brought on in the last minute of extra time for his effectiveness from the penalty spot, but it backfired as Maurer saved his spot-kick which was the first of the shoot-out. 

After 4 more successful efforts from each team Guerra had the opportunity to send New York into the final. But an overconfident Guerra went for a panenka finish which did not fool Vega who stood his ground to keep his side in it. After 2 more successful penalties Maurer saved from Mason Trafford giving Cosmos another chance to finish the tie and Starikov did not need a second invitation as he fired Cosmos into a 4th Soccerbowl final in the reboot era. 

(NASL 2017 Fall) Puerto Rico FC 2v5 New York Cosmos

Saturday 29th October 2017
MCU Park, New York   Attendance -  5,929

Cosmos sealed a place in the playoffs mainly thanks to a 2nd half hat-trick from Emmanuel Ledesma. After a goalless first half the game came alive as Puerto Rico briefly took the lead, but from there on it was all Cosmos as Ledesma fired a 16mim hat-trick to put Cosmos 3v1 up and well on their way to victory.

New York came into the game in a strong position to secure the final spot in the playoffs, knowing that a draw would probably be enough against a side Cosmos had already beaten 4 times in 2017. Even with Puerto Rico having to play all games away from home since their island had been struck by Hurricane damage, Puerto Rico were on a 2 game winning run.

Even though the game was officially an away game, the game was played at the home of the Cosmos, MCU Park.

The early exchanges were evenly matched with few opportunities, but Cosmos slowly started to gain the upper hand and midway through the first half the first chance fell to Starikov whose pace took him past the Puerto Rico defence, but as he went through on goal the keeper stood up well and made a good save to deny the Ukrainian.

 But Puerto Rico were looking lively in attack and a spectacular Welshman overhead kick was deflected over for a corner, which was met by a free header which sailed wide. Soon after it took a last ditch tackle by Carlos Mendes in his last game in New York to deny Puerto Rico a clear opportunity.

Later in the half Marquez attempted a delicate chip from the edge of the box which had the keeper scrambling, but the ball went wide.

Cosmos had to endure some nervy moments as Puerto Rico enjoyed a good spell but Cosmos were given a chance to break the deadlock in stoppage time after a swift counter attack, but Ledesma's shot allowed the keeper to make a comfortable save as a cagey half ended 0v0.

A cagey game came to life in the early stages of the 2nd half with a flurry of goals.

Poor play from New York led to Puerto Rico taking the lead after Guerra was given a dangerous pass deep inside his own half. Guerra was dispossessed and Welshman skipped past Jakovic and slotted the ball past Maurer. Straight from kickoff Starikov almost responded immediately but his effort drifted wide.

But New York were not to be denied and on the next attack Ledesma unleashed an unstoppable effort from outside the box to draw level.

Cosmos were in full flow now and Mulligan sent Ledesma away after the Cosmos man got in behind his marker  and kept his nerve to put New York ahead. The goal was a welcome relief with news coming through that Jacksonville had taken the lead in San Francisco, indicating that Cosmos would have to get a result here to progress to the playoffs.

Events in San Francisco were looking increasingly irrelevant as Ledesma completed a hat-trick midway through the 2nd half. There looked little danger as Ledesma looked second favourite to get to a Starikov flick on, but he outmuscled his defender and produced another fine finish to give Cosmos one foot in the playoffs.

Ledesma turned provider for the fourth goal swinging in a dangerous cross at the near post and on his final home appearance Mendes slid in to direct the ball into the net.

The game should have bee done and dusted but the New York defence switched off and allowed Puerto Rico to find Welshman in acres of space to fire a second goal with minutes remaining. Seconds later and Puerto Rico almost grabbed another as Maurer was forced into a diving save from a corner.

But Cosmos regained their composure and Marquez tried an audacious effort from the halfway line as he spotted the keeper off his line, forcing the keeper into conceding a corner.

Mendes was substituted in stoppage time and given a standing ovation by the Cosmos faithful, but there was still time for another goal as with the last kick of the game Lucky finished a swift counter attack to wrap up a successful evening.

(NASL 2017 Fall) Jacksonville Armada 4v4 New York Cosmos

Sunday 22nd October 2017
Hodges Stadium, Jacksonville   Attendance -  7,611

Cardiac Cosmos were at it again as New York came back from 3v1 down at half time to eventually gain a crucial point against fellow playoff hopefuls Jacksonville.

The Cosmos traveled to Jacksonville knowing a win would guarentee New York the final playoff spot while Armada needed a win to give themselves a fighting chance of making the playoffs for the first time.

Armada came out fired up in front of a sold out Hodges Stadium and struck early after Blake floated in a pass behind the Cosmos defence to Gerbhart and cut back to Steinberg who produced a fine finish.

Cosmos wasted no time in leveling things with the goal coming from an unlikely source. Centre back Ochieng somehow popped up in the centre forward position and was played in on goal and slotted the ball into the net.

The game then swung back in the favour of the home side as Drew Beckie put Armada ahead midway through the first half. A dangerous free-kick was swung into the box and Maurer was beaten to the ball, only for the header to come off the post, but Beckie reacted first to head into an empty net.

It got worse for Cosmos as from an almost identical set piece Blake whipped in another ball and Armada were again first to the ball as Ryden steered the ball in.

Cosmos failed to trouble Jacksonville for the remainder fo the half, leaving themselves needing another cardiac Cosmos comeback needed to get anything out of the game.

It was a much more motivated Cosmos that came out for the 2nd half and forced Armada onto the back foot.

On the hour mark Cosmos pulled a goal back after a well worked move as Ledesma and Marquez linked up on the edge of the area and Marquez found an unmarked Starikov who fired into the net.

Smelling blood Cosmos continued to push forward for an equaliser and Starikov had another chance on goal which brought a good save from Patterson-Sewell in the Armada goal.

Mkosana had been introduced to the action in the 2nd half and didn't take long to make his mark as he put Cosmos level with a third of the game remaining. Flores ran at the Armada defensive line and slipped the ball to Lucky, who nipped past Beckie and place the ball past Patterson-Sewell.

It was Armada who now needed a goal and substitute Elondou went close after another dangerous Blake free-kick was whipped in. But Cosmos amazingly would stake the lead as Mulligan let fly with a long range effort that found the corner of the net.

The game was not over yet as Jacksonville responded immediately as the Cosmos defence switched off and Eloundou was allowed in on goal and hammered the ball past Maurer. Elondou was causing Cosmos problems and was allowed a free header soon after which crept narrowly wide.

In the dying seconds Cosmos hearts were in mouths as Pitchkolan fired a volley goalward deep into stoppage time, but Maurer was on hand to tip the effort wide for a corner.

The Jacksonville keeper came up for the corner but the ball was cleared and Cosmos raced through on an unguarded goal, only for the ref to blow for time, causing an angry mob of Cosmos players to confront the referee.

The draw leaves the last playoff place unclaimed, although with Cosmos holding a clear advantage going into the final game of the regular season.

(NASL 2017 Fall) Puerto Rico 1v4 New York Cosmos

Wednesday 18th October 2017
Central Broward Regional Park, Lauderhill, Florida   Attendance -  

Cosmos racked up another win over Puerto Rico to move 2 points ahead of Jacksonville in the race for the final spot in the NASL playoffs. It was the 5th win over the Islanders in the 2017 campaign, a remarkable statistic considering Cosmos have only managed 9 wins in the league in total.

With Puerto Rico still recovering from Hurricane damage the match was played at the former home of Fort Lauderdale Strikers, with the Cosmos fielding a few surprises in the line up which saw Richter, Ledesma and Marquez dropped to the bench.

New York created a couple of openings early on with a Starikov effort at the near post and Ayoze heading narrowly over from a Calvillo cross. Mulligan was given a start over Richter and he came close to opening the scoring midway through the half as his shot from the edge of the box was tipped onto the bar.

Cosmos took control of the match with 2 goals in a 6 minute spell at the end of the first half. The first came from the left foot of Ayoze as he delivered a trademark curling free-kick over the wall and into the net. Starikov had come close to adding a second but did not have to wait long for his goal as he made it 2v0 in spectacular fashion with an improvised bicycle kick. Guerra had shown great skill down the right wing to fashion a crossing opportunity and as the ball bobbled up in a crowded box Starikov went airborne to put Cosmos 2 up.

Puerto Rico came out strong in the early stages of the 2nd half but Cosmos were still threatening and Guerra came close to poking the ball in after a scramble in the area in the just before the hour mark. Jimmy Maurer came to his sides rescue soon after as Puerto Rico went through with the Cosmos defence appealing for offside.

The latter part of the game saw heavy rain come down but the Cosmos did not seem affected and made the game safe. Winning the ball in the opposition half the ball Starikov played the ball to former PR player Bardic who evaded a sliding challenge and slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 3v0.

Starikov was having a productive game and he outpaced the Puerto Rico defence late on to go through on goal, only to be upended in the box with Ayoze stepping up to score the penalty.

The 'home' side did manage a late consolation as Rivera rose well at the far post to crash home a header, but it was a night for Cosmos to celebrate, with the added bonus of Jacksonville dropping points in the race for the playoffs.

(NASL 2017 Fall) New York Cosmos 0v0 FC Edmonton

Saturday 14th October 2017
MCU Park, New York   Attendance -  6,818

(NASL 2017 Fall) Indy Eleven 2v2 New York Cosmos

Saturday 7th October 2017

Michael A Carroll Stadium, Indianapolis   Attendance -  8,998

Draws have blighted the Cosmos season this capaign, but given the fact that New York have never won at the Mike another draw was not the worst result as Cosmos and Indy Eleven fought out a 2v2 draw.

The first 20mins passed without incident but then the Cosmos started to threaten and they felt they should have had a penalty when Vranjican hit the deck in the area after a pass from Ledesma, but the referee ordered play to continue.

Cosmos saw a couple of efforts go narrowly wide but it was Indy who took the lead when Don SMart unleashed a rocket which flew past Maurer at the near post to give the home side the lead. But Cosmos did not panic and got back on level terms through Ledesma. Busch was at fault as he could only push out a well struck Marquez effort and as it bounced dangerously in front of goal Ledesma was first to react as he shot into the net. New York had a chance to take the lead as Vranjican was allowed far too much room down the right wing and he played a ball across goal to Mkosana, but Lucky could not connect with it, with Gio Savarese claiming the striker was fouled.

Zayed forced a save out of Maurer as the half wore on, but the header lacked the power to beat the Cosmos keeper. The Indy striker had a better opportunity later after a pinpoint cross picked hin out, but a poor first touch saw the chance go begging.

Cosmos came out in the 2nd half the better side and Marquez produced another great long range effort which forced Busch to tip the ball wide. But Indy were still a threat and Maurer made a similar save from closer in at the other end.

Cosmos looked the side most likely to get the next goal, but against the run of play Indy took the lead after a swift counter attack saw Don Smart slide the ball across goal to Zayed, whose effort just about beat Maurer. New York almost equalised straight away as a dangerous cross from Ledesma was almost headed into his own net by Keller. Indy again failed to hold onto the lead as Marquez was left unmarked and fired past Busch to level it again.

Indy pushed for a winner and came close when Smart struck an effort that thundered off the bar. Indy continued to give New York some hairy moments in the closing stages, but Cosmos held on for a draw.

(NASL 2017 Fall) New York Cosmos 1v0 Puerto Rico FC

Sunday 1st October 2017
MCU Park, New York   Attendance -  3,733

New York gained a much needed win over Puerto Rico to boost their flagging hopes of post season action thanks to a 2nd half strike from Javi Marquez. The visitor's preparations for the game were hardly ideal, with their home island in turmoil at the hands of hurricane damage. The sides home ground had been badly damaged and was not expected to be in a playable condition anytime soon and as a result preparations for the game were far from ideal.

Cosmos showed no charity in the first half as they put the visitors on the back foot for most of the first half. Most of the danger was caused by the visitors own making from being caught out from loose passes in their own half being intercepted.

The first Cosmos chance came via that route as Flores won the ball and fed Guerra, only for Spangenberg to keep the effort out with his legs. New York continued to press and came close with an audacious effort from Ledesma who with his back to goal hooked the ball over his head and with Spangenberg well beaten the ball crept the wrong side of the post.

Puerto Rico's rust showed as they continued to cede possession in dangerous areas, but some loose passes from the Cosmos let the visitors off the hook as opportunities went begging.

Guerra went close again soon after as his close range header struck a Puerto Rico player which sent the ball looping over the bar.

Just before half time there were chances at both ends for a goal. Puerto Rico's defence went missing again as Carlos Mendes was left all alone from a corner, but Spangenberg came to his sides rescue again as he produced a fine save. But seconds later the defensive errors spread to the Cosmos as a poor back pass let in Puerto Rico's Gentile, but Mulligan made a last gasp clearance off the line after Maurer had been beaten to keep the scores level.

Seconds into the 2nd half Puerto Rico's goal survived another scare as a Cosmos shot was saved and as the ball looped up a header sent the ball goalbound, only for Spangenberg palmed the ball away.

Both sides made attacking substitutions to try and break the deadlock but it was Welshman for PR who made an immediate impact as he muscled his way into a shooting position, only for Maurer to pull off a good save.

Spangenberg continued to prove a difficult barrier to break as he kept out an effort from Calvillo which took a deflection and threatened to creep in at the near post.

Cosmos finally made the breakthrough with less than 20mins remaining. Finally Cosmos capitalised on another poor piece of play from Puerto Rico as substitute Lucky Mkosana won possession. A well worked move ended with the ball being played to Marquez, who drilled the ball past Spangenberg.

The visitors responded well and caused some hairy moments for the home side, but Cosmos held firm. In stoppage time Puerto Rico were once again reduced to 10 men as Walter Ramirez kicked out late on, with Calvillo lucky not to get the same treatment after a retaliation was not spotted.

But Javi Marquez's goal was enough to breathe life into the Cosmos bid for a playoff berth.

(NASL 2017 Fall) New York Cosmos 0v2 North Carolina FC

Saturday 23rd September 2017
MCU Park, New York   Attendance -  4,666

The winless run stretched to 9 games as Cosmos were hit with a couple of sucker punches in the first half by Carolina despite having the better of the first 45 mins. Carolina improved in the 2nd half, restricting New York to half chances as Carolina took the spoils as New York ended their run of 3 home games with just 2 points to show for it.

It was an open start to the game with chances at both ends in the opening exchanges. North Carolina were afforded too much space down the right wing and forced Holt into a save while Bardic came even closer soon after as he had a shot go off the outside of the post.

An early goal was on the cards but it went to the visitors after a swift counter attack from Carolina saw Gorne put through in acres of space and he made no mistake with the finish. The Cosmos defence was all over the place as moments later Carolina caused chaos in the Cosmos area and it needed Mulligan to scramble the ball away to safety.

There was a similar moment of panic in the Carolina area after 25mins when Sylvestre failed to deal with a looping ball into the box, but the ball was cleared. Cosmos were getting closer to a goal and Marquez played a ball to the far post which Sylvestre again failed to deal with. With the Carolina defence stretched Guerra played in Flores but he blazed over in front of goal.

New York continued to press and after Ayoze and Flores linked up well down the left a cross was sent over and a Vranjican header was pushed away by Sylvestre. Just before half time Marquez could only find the side netting from a tight angle, but with the half time whilstle about to sound Carolina doubled their lead against the run of play.

Mendes was beaten too easily down the Cosmos left by Albadawi and the ball was squared to an unmarked Da Luz who had a simole finish.

The chances dried up the second half with the final ball not good enough from New York and when there was an opportunity there was a North Carolina body in the way. There was a bried glimpse of goal in the 73rd minute as Ledesma found Vranjican in the area, but with the angle narrowing Vranjican could not direct his effort on target.

The home side came close soon after as sub Calvillo had an effort which had Sylvestre scrambling, but again North Carolina's goal remained intact. Cosmos had somehow rescued points from similar situations, but this time they never really looked like pulling this one back as they slumped to a defeat.

(NASL 2017 Fall) New York Cosmos 2v2 San Francisco Deltas

Wednesday 20th September 2017
MCU Park, New York   Attendance -  4,360

Cosmos are well known for some remarkable comebacks, but were on the receiving end of it this time as the 10 man Deltas fought back from 2v0 down with just 15mins remaining to grab a draw at MCU Park.

New York took the lead early on through Juan Guerra after converting a rebound from an effort from Starikov that Peiser saved. On the half hour mark the Ukrainian should have made it 2v0 after Vranjican skipped past his marker and squared the ball to Starikov, but with the goal gaping he somehow managed to send the ball over the bar to everyone's disbelief.

Cosmos had another chance to extend the lead when Guerra latched onto a poor back pass from Hopkins but his pull back to Arango was intercepted by Peiser, alarmed at his sides defending. It was Arango's first start of the season, but it would also be his last as he picked up an injury that would rule him out for the rest of the season and was replaced by Bardic.

 Savarese had picked Holt in goal for this match who had seen little action on the first half, but was beaten on 40mins by a header, but the woodwork came to the rescue as Hopkins effort hit the post.

The Deltas came out with more purpose in the 2nd half and Ouimette was allowed an opportunity for a free header in front of goal after a dangerous free-kick was swung in, but failed to connect.

Cosmos should have made it 2v0 however as a great ball from Guerra released Starikov through on goal in acres of space, but Peiser got his team out of trouble again with a save.

Around the hour mark Cosmos looked like they would get a long overdue win after going 2v0 up and seeing the Deltas reduced to 10 men after a red card. Marquez broke from the midfield and as he homed in on goal he was brought down and Vranjican stepped up to smash the penalty in.

Straight from kick off the Deltas received another blow as Stephens was shown a red card after an clash with Ayoze.

There was little evidence of a comeback from the Deltas but Devon Sandoval single handed dragged the Deltas back level, with 2 Cosmos substitutes guilty of handing the Deltas a draw. San Francisco were handed a lifeline when shortly after coming on Szetela was penalised for tugging on the shirt of Sandoval in the area, with the fouled player converting the penalty.

The second goal was the fault of another sub as Moyal telegraphed a pass deep in his own half and the ball went to Sandoval who turned and fired an unstoppable effort past Holt. New York almost regained their lead immediately as Bardic hit the post with a well struck effort.

Cosmos threw everything at the Deltas in the final few minutes but San Francisco held on for an unlikely draw.

(NASL 2017 Fall) New York Cosmos 3v3 Jacksonville Armada

Sunday 17th September 2017
MCU Park, New York   Attendance -  4,229

Cosmos fought back from 3v0 down with less than 15mins to go to rescue a draw after a series of calamities at the back left them with a mountain to climb.

Cosmos made a bright start but it didn't take long for Jacksonville to expose the frailties in the back line of the home side as the Armada took an early lead. A corner was swung in and Zobeck got nowhere near the ball as Kilduff managed to poke the ball over the line.

The home side responded well and continued to probe the Armada defence, but much like the clash between the 2 sides 3 weeks previous the Armada defence held firm and denied Cosmos any clear cut opportunities. At the other end Jacksonville were not creating much themselves, looking to hit Gebhard on the counter attack with little success.

But more poor play at the back gifted the Armada a second goal just before half time. Szetela lost the ball in a crucial position and Kilduff took full advantage racing through before beating Zobeck to give the visitors a 2 goal lead. It could have been worse for the home side as Ochieng allowed Gebhard to get behind him and was fortunate that the referee did not penalise him for a foul on the Armada player in the area in an effort to make up for his mistake.

On the stroke of half time Herrera came close after a great ball by Marquez in a rare opportunity for the home side.

The pattern of play continued in the 2nd half with Cosmos continuing to be kept out by Armada, with Patterson- Sewell pulling off a good save to deny a strike by Flores. It looked all over for New York as Jacksonville extended their lead from the penalty spot after Steinberger was upended in the area by another clumsy challenge by Ochieng after the Cosmos defence was again caught out by the pace of the Armada attack. Blake fired past Zobeck from the spot to make it 3v0.

Despite mounting odds Cosmos never gave up and were rewarded in the 79th minute when substitute Arango slipped the ball to Marquez who finally managed to beat Patterson-Sewell. Cosmos went looking for another and a great ball from Ayoze found Starikov who had a chance to lob the Armada keeper but his effort went off target.

Cosmos were throwing everything at the Armada but as time wore on it looked like New York would run out of time but Starikov gave New York a glimmer of hope as he headed in a second in the 89th minute after good work from Ayoze down the left.

The Cardiac Cosmos did what they do so often and struck again at the death when Guerra curled in a fantastic goal with virtually the last kick of the game to earn New York an unlikely draw.

Whilst the fighting spirit of New York remains beyond question their place in the playoffs continues to look on shaky ground after yet more points dropped, with the side currently sitting outside of the playoff places.

(NASL 2017 Fall) Miami FC 3v3 New York Cosmos

Wednesday 6th September 2017
Riccardo Silva Stadium, Miami   Attendance -  1,529

The Cosmos managed a creditable draw in a match with a crazy ending against Spring Champions and Fall leaders Miami FC. Going into the game the form of the 2 sides could not be more different, with Miami on a 5 game winning streak and the Cosmos on an even longer winless streak.

There were changes to the line up with B side players brought in, with Zobeck in goal and Bardic in attack. Bardic took just 10mins to get on the scoresheet as Cosmos made a great start.

New York had won a corner after Szetela's curling effort was saved from Vega, and from the resulting set piece Jakovic won a header at the far post, nodding the ball across goal for Bardic to tap into an unguarded net.

Miami almost responded straight away as a cross was whipped in and with Zobeck showing some early nerves he failed to collect the ball and Bernstein headed against the bar.

Zobeck did better midway through the first half as Pinho cut in from the right and tried to curl the ball round the Cosmos keeper, but Zobeck made a good save. From the corner Martinez looked to have a clear opening, but the Cosmos defence regrouped and saw the danger out.

It would be an early night for Bardic whose encouraging performance was cut short due to injury, with Vranjican replacing him.

Cosmos were not looking like a team struggling for a win and Vranjican had a chance to make it 2v0 as he drove towards goal, but his curling effort was off target. But Cosmos could not hold onto their lead and Miami equalised just before half time.

Former Cosmos man Hunter Freeman played a free-kick into the area and the ball eventually fell to Chavez who was left with an easy finish.

Cosmos started the 2nd half well and had the ball in the Miami net from a Vranjican header, but the effort was chalked off as the Cosmos striker was adjudged to have fouled Trafford in the process of scoring.

Cosmos were having a good spell but against the run of play took the lead after some poor defending. Zobeck looked less than convincing again as he struggled with a Pinho effort and from the rebound Marquez completed fluffed his clearance and presented the ball to Chavez who needed no second invitation as he slammed the ball into the net.

Miami were threatening to move further ahead as Lahoud and Pinho had efforts on goal, but Cosmos survived and with 9mins left they found an equaliser. Marquez was the creator as he fired a ball across the Miami 6 yard box and Vranjican flicked a leg out and diverted the ball into the goal.

Cosmos went looking for a winner but it was Miami who looked like they had snatched the 3 points when Chavez was played in and produced a fine finish past Zobeck to complete a fine hat-trick.

But in true Cosmos style New York were not finished yet and in stoppage time Marquez collected the ball on the edge of the area and after creating himself a yard of space he unleashed a great curling effort past Vega as the ball flew through the smoke that the Miami supporters had just released in celebration of the Miami goal just moments earlier.