RECAP | Cosmos 3, Scorpions 0

While the New York Cosmos had controlled the majority of the match, they only maintained a one-goal lead over the San Antonio Scorpions with less than ten minutes remaining. But, in a span of five minutes, the Cosmos would salt away the match with two quick goals by defender Rovérsio and midfielder Leo Fernandes, finishing off a 3-0 home win.

Jimmy Maurer, who recorded his 18th career NASL shutout, moved to the top of the all-time list in the Modern Era. 

After some thrilling late-game magic last week against the Carolina RailHawks, the Cosmos were able to produce a bit more to secure the scoreline they had deserved with their strong performance.

Cosmos forward Lucky Mkosana was able to win a free kick in Scorpions territory, and the resulting delivery by left back Ayoze was inch-perfect to find center back Rovérsio, who nodded the ball past Scorpions goalkeeper Daryl Sattler. Rovérsio’s goal gave the Cosmos (5-3-0, 18 points) a 2-0 lead late in the match, but his team would not be done scoring just yet.

Raúl worked diligently to win a ball back near the Scorpions' (2-1-4, 7 points) end line and sent in a cross. His cross was flicked near the goal by Mkosana, but it would be Fernandes who would nod the ball home for the third and final Cosmos goal.

After constantly putting himself in dangerous positions throughout the first half, Mkosana’s work rate and hold-up play rewarded his team with a lead after he earned a penalty kick, which Raúl converted in the 18th minute for a 1-0 lead.

A short corner found its way back to Cosmos right back Hunter Gorskie, who floated a ball into the box and found Mkosana. The Zimbabwean forward deftly knocked it down under his control, but before he could render a shot on goal, he was dragged down by his jersey. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot, and Raúl slotted home to beat Sattler.

The goal was Raúl’s third of the season and gave the Cosmos the deserved lead heading into the break.

The lead might have been doubled in the 25th minute after a cross by Cosmos left back Ayoze was flicked on by Mkosana to a wide open Walter Restrepo. Restrepo’s shot went high from close range.