PREVIEW | Cosmos Look To Extend Unbeaten Run At Home
The Cardiac Cosmos were once again in full force last weekend, securing a dramatic comeback draw against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. New York needs to carry that momentum into a meeting with the San Antonio Scorpions, who also drew 3-3 a weekend ago.
TEAM OVERVIEW
New York Cosmos: A late rally on Saturday gave the Cosmos a point in Fort Lauderdale. After falling behind 3-0 to the Strikers, Leo Fernandes got the rally started in the 62nd minute. Then Adam Moffat scored his first goal with the Cosmos minutes later. In stoppage time, Sebastián Guenzatti equalized to complete the large comeback.
After a slow start to the Fall Season, the Cosmos have hit their stride. In their last three games, the Cosmos have earned two wins and a draw, scoring seven goals in those games. Through six matches in the 20-game Fall Season, the Cosmos have nine points. The Cosmos currently sit second in the Combined Standings.
San Antonio Scorpions: After winning the NASL Championship last year, San Antonio has faced some adversity this season. The Scorpions sit 10th out of 11 clubs in the Combined Standings with 17 points. In their last three games, the Scorpions scored eight goals, but the results were two losses and a 3-3 draw in their last road game against the Atlanta Silverbacks.
San Antonio forward and Jamaican international Omar Cummings has been a bright spot; he leads the league with 10 goals scored so far this season. Billy Forbes leads the Scorpions with five assists. San Antonio has allowed 16 goals in six Fall Season games, which is most in the league.
MATCHUP HISTORY
The Cosmos are 3W-1D-4L all-time against San Antonio. All four contests during the 2014 NASL season resulted in wins for San Antonio. The most recent meeting was on May 23 at Shuart Stadium. In that game, Raúl converted a penalty kick to get the Cosmos started. In the second half, Rovérsio and Leo Fernandes scored to give New York a comfortable 3-0 win over the defending league champs.
NOTES
Home Cooking: At home this season, the Cosmos have not lost a game. In eight games at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium, the Cosmos have earned five wins and three draws. In their last game at Shuart Stadium, the Cosmos beat Minnesota United on a late goal from Hunter Freeman.
Freeman On Fire: Cosmos defender Hunter Freeman is in the midst of a hot streak. In his last three games, he has tallied two goals and two assists. In home victories over Fort Lauderdale and Minnesota, Freeman scored the winning goal. On Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, Freeman tallied two assists in the second half to lead the Cosmos to a draw.
Goals For Everyone: In NASL play this season, 12 different Cosmos have scored at least one goal for a total of 27. Leo Fernandes currently leads the team with five and Raúl is right behind him with four. San Antonio has nine players that have scored in NASL play. Omar Cummings currently leads the league with 10 goals.
