Yohandry Orozco’s first goal in a New York Cosmos uniform was the difference as the Cosmos edged the previously undefeated Carolina RailHawks, 1-0, on a rainy Sunday night at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium.
After dominating possession in the opening 45 minutes, the Cosmos took a deserved lead just before halftime on a terrific effort by Orozco.
The Venezuelan midfielder settled a cross from Gabriel Farfán, slipped past one defender and then cut between two others before putting a blast off the crossbar and in.
The Cosmos (3-0-2), who moved within three points of the Spring Season leaders Carolina (4-0-1), pressed for a second goal after halftime.
In the 50th minute, Jairo Arrieta cut the ball back twice to create space, but put his attempt wide of the near post.
Three minutes later, Niko Kranjčar’s 20-yard effort caromed off the crossbar.
Carolina, which entered the game with maximum points from its first four fixtures, had two quality chances to equalize in the 69th minute when Brian Shriver put his attempt on target following some quality buildup, but Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer got a piece before the ball went out for a corner.
RailHawks defender Simon Mensing followed with a laser from 20 yards out, but that attempt also deflected out for another corner.
Kranjčar was inches away from an insurance tally in the 82nd minute, cutting the ball back twice before his low shot was just wide of the far post.
Three minutes later, Maurer came up with a spectacular game-altering save when he parried away a first-time volley from James Marcelin inside the six-yard box.
Moments later, Maurer raced off his line to fend off Tiyi Shipalane, who got behind the Cosmos back line.
The Cosmos travel south to Florida next for their first ever meeting with NASL expansion side Miami FC on Saturday, May 7.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. at FIU Stadium.
