RECAP | RailHawks 2, Cosmos 2

Down two goals entering stoppage time, the New York Cosmos upped the tempo and pressure in the attacking third and scored two late goals to earn a draw against the Carolina RailHawks in Cary, N.C. at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday.

With the draw, the Cosmos (4W-3D-0L, 15 points) continued their unbeaten streak with a thrilling display of resiliency in the dying moments of the match.

Things first got nervy for the RailHawks in the final minutes, as a ball was sent into the box by Cosmos midfielder Walter Restrepo and bounced around between several players before being knocked in by RailHawks defender Futty Danso for an own goal, cutting the RailHawks (1-3-3, 7) lead to 2-1 in the 91st minute.

The Cosmos would then equalize in the 97th minute with a stunning Andrés Flores goal from the top of the box that beat RailHawks goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap.

While the Cosmos salvaged a draw from this match, they did have a tough time defending RailHawks midfielder Tiyi Shipalane, who was involved in both goals for Carolina.

His goal in the 76th minute seemed to be the deciding goal, as he shook loose from Restrepo and Cosmos defender Ayoze to create enough space for a left-footed shot. His brilliantly-curled shot from the right edge of the box beat sprawling Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer.

While the RailHawks only had one real chance in the first half against the Cosmos, they certainly made it count as it gave them a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

Shipalane did excellent work on the right flank to get past Ayoze and brought the ball to the end line. Shipalane cut the ball back up the box and found teammate Neil Hlavaty. Hlavaty’s shot was slightly deflected by Maurer, but it was not enough to keep the ball out of the net.

Following the goal, the RailHawks were content to sit behind the ball for the remainder of the half, as the Cosmos began to look for an equalizer.

Cosmos winger Leo Fernandes almost found it in the 12th minute as a cross from defender Hunter Gorskie landed at his feet. Fernandes’ hard shot was parried away by Gilstrap in a fine diving save.

The Cosmos will face the San Antonio Scorpions next – on May 23 at home. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. ET from Shuart Stadium.