(NASL 2016 Spring) New York Cosmos 1v0 Carolina Railhawks

Sunday 1st May 2016
Hofstra University, New York   Attendance -  2,419

Yohandry Orozco smashed in a brilliant individual effort to end the winning streak of the Carolina Railhawks and get the Cosmos' season back on track.

Cosmos started the game well and came close to scoring in the 15th minute when Arango had a shot that was deflected narrowly wide after a move involving Orozco and Kranjcar.

Guenzatti had a golden chance to put the Cosmos ahead 5mins later after the influential Kranjcar put the midfielder through 1 on 1 with Carolina keeper Brian Sylvestre, but the Railhawks keeper won that particular duel, making the stop and keeping the game scoreless.

Little had been seen of the Carolina attack, but they had a sniff of goal on 39mins as Shriver found da Luz after a swift attack, but a heavy touch from the Carolina man allowed Maurer to smother the chance.

Orozco got the vital goal just before half time. There seemed little danger as he collected a long pass down the Cosmos left. But he skipped past 2 Carolina players and smashed an unstoppable effort high into the Railhawks net top put the Cosmos deservedly ahead.

Cosmos continued to dominate in the early stages of the 2nd half and Arrieta showed some good skill to create an opening, but fired wide.

Niko Kranjcar had been tormenting the Railhawks all game and came close to putting the Cosmos further ahead as his effort from the edge of the area clipped off the Railhawks bar. The Railhawks were just about hanging on and Sylvestre had to be down smartly to keep out an Arango free-kick.

Jimmy Maurer had hardly faced a shot all night, but was needed on 69mins when the previously anonymous Carolina attack cut open the Cosmos defence, but Jimmy Maurer made a great stop from Shriver after the Carolina man tried to curl the ball round the Cosmos keeper.

Cosmos continued to search for a killer second goal, but continued to be denied by Sylvestre, this time he smothered the ball as Arrieta threatened from close range.

Kranjcar produced another moment of magic as he turned his defender and curled the ball just wide, still without the goal he deserved.

Cosmos had previously gave up valuable points thanks to late goals and almost did so again. Albadawi produced a great cross for Marcelin at the far post, but again Maurer was on hand to make a great stop, ensuring that all their good play had not gone to waste.

Suddenly there was a flurry of chances at both ends as Arrieta forced Sylvestre into a near post save and seconds later Maurer had to be quick off his line to stop Carolina from snatching a point.