RECAP | Cosmos 1, Armada FC 0

Spanish legend Raúl scored the lone goal to lift the New York Cosmos to a 1-0 win over 10-man Jacksonville Armada FC at rain-soaked Shuart Stadium Saturday night.

Raúl broke the stalemate in the 74th minute with his sixth goal of the season. The Spanish legend received a pass from Walter Restrepo with his left foot, went momentarily to his right before striking past Armada FC goalkeeper David Sierra from 12 yards out.

Three minutes later, Restrepo cut the ball back on his left foot to create space in the box, but his low shot deflected out for a corner.

The Cosmos, who extended their home unbeaten streak to 18 matches and evened the record held by the Carolina RailHawks, avenged a 1-0 loss to Jacksonville on July 18. The Armada FC became the first NASL team to beat the Cosmos this year.

The Cosmos temporarily moved into sole possession of second place with 22 points, three behind first-place Ottawa Fury FC in the Fall Season Standings. The Cosmos extended their lead over Ottawa in the Combined Standings to six points.

Four minutes after entering the match to replace an injured Adam Moffat, Marcos Senna played a dangerous free kick toward the far post that Sierra punched out.

Andrés Flores pounced on the attempted clearance and put his 24-yard volley over the net in the 32nd minute.

Three minutes later, Armanda FC nearly scored the game’s first goal when a cross by Shawn Nicklaw found its way through traffic and to Tyler Williams at the edge of the six-yard box, but he hammered his shot over the bar.

Walter Restrepo nearly put the Cosmos in front, but his lob from distance was wide of the far post in the 41st minute. One minute later, Lucky Mkosana went streaking down the right, but couldn’t put his open shot on frame.

Jacksonville was reduced to 10 men in the 52nd minute when defender Lucas Trejo received a straight red card for a high kick to Mkosana’s face.

In the 71st minute, Senna unloaded from distance, but Sierra parried the attempt over the bar for the Cosmos second corner of the match.

Argentine striker Gastón Cellerino made his Cosmos debut in the 72nd minute, coming on for Flores. He nearly scored in the 90th minute, but Sierra got a piece of his attempted lob.