Monday Night NASL Matchup

                   

  This past Monday the NASL showcased two of their top teams in a battle.  The Minnesota United Loons who are near the top of the standings and the 2013 defending champion New York Cosmos.  The Cosmos played host in James Shuart Stadium located on the Hofstra University Campus.  The weather was great even though the wind was a little heavy at times. 

  Minnesota United traveled to New York unbeaten and looked to be in the driver’s seat for this game.  While the Cosmos were on a losing streak which was new to the Long Island based team.  The New York Cosmos knew they needed this game to stay on pace with the top teams in the NASL and played like it.  The team had to play without Sebastian Guenzatti who was Red Carded during the game against the Railhawks.

  The Cosmos started the first half with the possession advantage and really had the Loons on their heels for most of the half.  A few chances were had by the Cosmos, but the end result wasn’t there.  A huge game from Minnesota United Goalkeeper Matt VanOekel kept the Loons in the game until halftime. 

  At the beginning of the second half with the 5Points supporters cheering and chanting loud, the Cosmos really started forcing their way to the Minnesota box.  In the 58^th minute Mads Stokkelien had an open goal but ended up heading the ball about a foot wide.  Veteran Marco Senna would make up for his teammates miss in the 60^th minute with a shot from just outside the 18.  Van Oekel looked to have been out of place when Senna’s shot looked to be going wide.  At the last second the ball turned in and went just inside the post.

  Jim Maurer had a great game for the Cosmos making some saves that helped the Cosmos to victory.  Knowing the Loons are known for their late game heroics, the key save to me was in the 87^th minute when Maurer made the save to relieve the pressure Minnesota had put on the Cosmos. The defense in my opinion played a lot better than they have in recent games.  The midfielders showed great ideas with their passing game and all in all the Cosmos played keep away.   

  Hopefully this victory will give the Cosmos that winning feeling again.  I think the strikers need to make some better decisions when they get to the box.  The boys in green and white left it all out on the field Monday which you hope they always do.  The Cosmos are in third place with 9 points.  They only trail Minnesota United and Ft Lauderdale Strikers who both have 12 points.  If the players and coaches of the Cosmos put in the work, and the fans show their colors and stay dedicated, we’ll win the league again.  Hopefully this rough patch is over and our team will become superior again in the NASL.