(NASL 2016 Fall) New York Cosmos 1v1 Rayo OKC

Sunday 7th August 2016
Hofstra University, New York   Attendance -  2,871

Troubled OKC ended the Cosmos NASL record home winning streak with a surprise draw at Hofstra.

Prior to the game Rayo had their manager walk out on the club along with the clubs local minority owners, bringing doubts over the clubs future.

Cosmos came close to taking a lead within the opening few seconds of the game when Duk sent a deflected ball goalwards that the keeper could not hold and Mkosana looked set to tap in the loose ball, only for OKC to somehow clear the ball.

But despite their off field problems, performances on the field had been good and they showed why after scoring from their very first attack. Forbes sent a dangerous ball across the goal and one time Cosmos target Samaras was on hand to convert from close range.

Cosmos looked for a response, but it was OKC who came closest to scoring after Michel did well to find Findlay who blazed a good chance over. The Cosmos were struggling to get anything going with OKC looking comfortable on the ball.

A poor kick out from Jimmy Maurer gave the visitors another chance as the ball was worked to Samaras who was in on goal, but Maurer redeemed himself with a save to prevent OKC extending their lead.

The Cosmos managed an undeserved equaliser from the penalty spot after Mkosana was brought down. Lucky turned his man down the left wing, but there looked to be minimal contact on the Cosmos man. Moffat dispatched the penalty to level the scores.

But just before half time and Cosmos were again opened up as Samaras raced clear of Hunter Freeman, only for the Greek striker to be felled in the area by a covering defender, but no penalty was forthcoming.

Cosmos improved in the 2nd half and Savarese was enraged on the sidelines when Duk was denied a clear run on goal after being tripped by Boateng, with the Rayo man only receiving a yellow card for the offence.

Seconds later Bover had a great chance to put his side ahead as a loose ball fell his way in the area, only to blaze over.

There were chances at the other end as Forbes drove an effort at goal which needed a good save from Maurer, but as the game wore on it was the Cosmos who looked most likely to get a winner. Arrieta was introduced to the action and he had a chance, but struck his effort at the Rayo keeper.

Cosmos piled forward in the closing minutes and Flores went close, but with Rayo looking to run the clock down at every opportunity it ultimately it ended in a disappointing draw and the end of the record run of home victories.