Armada ends Cosmos’ unbeaten streak

The Island Now

Despite controlling large stretches of their road match against Jacksonville Armada FC on Saturday night, the New York Cosmos left Community First Park with a 1-0 loss. It was the Cosmos’ first defeat in league play this year, ending an unbeaten streak of 11 matches.

The Cosmos (5-6-1) had not been bested in an NASL encounter since exiting the 2014 postseason semifinals last November. Tommy Krizanovic’s short-range finish in the 54th minute propelled Armada FC (4-3-7) to their fourth home win of the season.

“I thought we gave a good effort,” said Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese postgame. “We created chances, but unfortunately we couldn’t capitalize on those.

“We had chances, but sometimes we were unlucky. We needed to be a bit more determined to finish those chances that we had.”

Fullback Hunter Freeman cracked the starting lineup again in Jacksonville, approaching full fitness after being sidelined with an injury for parts of the Spring Season. He had a quick impact on the game through set pieces, nearly putting New York ahead in the 17th minute with a powerful free kick from 30 yards out. Freeman’s effort beat Armada FC goalkeeper David Sierra but clanged off the left post, and the game remained scoreless.

The chances continued for the Cosmos only four minutes later. Midfield buildup from Danny Szetela ended with Lucky Mkosana and Raúl combining in the Jacksonville box for a close look at goal. In the end Raúl was forced to fire quickly by a charging Sierra, and his attempt rolled left of the post.

“I think this was a game in which we dictated the pace,” Freeman said. “But that’s how soccer goes sometimes. As disappointing as it is right now I think we’ll go back, look at the tape and see some positives.”

In the second half Jacksonville capitalized on a quick opportunity. Midfielder Lucas Scaglia delivered a ball into the penalty area,aimed towards Jaime Castrillón and Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. Castrillón then redirected with his head past Maurer and into the oncoming foot of Krizanovic, who knocked the ball in for his first career NASL goal.

“It was a difficult ball that came between our center backs and our goalie,“ said Savarese. “I think there was a bit of miscommunication. Once Jimmy was out of the play, then it became a gamble, and they were able to score.”

Cosmos midfielder Sebastián Guenzatti found plenty of space behind the Armada FC defense throughout the evening. In the 59th minute the Uruguayan had a close look at goal, but his angled shot slithered its way across the goalmouth and out of bounds for a goal kick.

In the 88th minute, Walter Restrepo danced inside the penalty area. The midfielder rattled off a strike, but Sierra deflected the potential equalizer high and out of bounds.

“There were times in this game when we could’ve been more patient, and moved things from side to side,” said Freeman. “We’ve seen games like this where we play well but don’t put away our opportunities. We have to be better. We have to put them away.”

The Cosmos will look to rebound when they travel to face Indy Eleven on Saturday, July 25 at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.

Share this Article