The New York Cosmos returned to Shuart Stadium looking for their fourth win of the NASL’s spring season in a Mother’s Day matinee against FC Edmonton.
The Cosmos struck first in the second minute of the match, as Raúl’s cross found Lucky Mkosana on the back post. The header would be denied by FC Edmonton’s Matt VanOekel, but could not be cleared. The bouncing ball found its way to the feet of Carlos Mendes, who made the most of his opportunity to give the Cosmos a 1-0 lead just moments into the match. His first goal of the season caps a banner week for the defender, who became a father on Thursday.
In the early going, both teams made the most of their opportunities. Off a free kick in the 15th minute, FC Edmonton played a threatening ball in from the left flank. On the delivery, a foul in the box led to a penalty for the visitors and Edmonton’s Tomi Ameobi stepped up and buried the equalizer.
The goal was the first conceded by the Cosmos in their past 368 minutes of play.
Less than 10 minutes later, the Cosmos got an opportunity to get back in front thanks to a Mkosana cross that found the head of Danny Szetela. Szetela’s first effort hit the cross bar and came inches from going in. However, Szetela followed up with a volley that would once again hit the cross bar. The third time would be the charm on this opportunity, as Raúl would bury the chance to give the Cosmos a 2-1 lead after 23 minutes of play.
In the 36th minute, the Cosmos were looking to extend their lead once more. On the other side of midfield, Szetela received the ball, and would play it into the box. His searching ball would find the head of Carlos Mendes, who tallied his second goal of the afternoon to put the Cosmos ahead 3-1.
Edmonton would have an opportunity to make it a one-goal game in the 42nd minute, but Sainey Nyassi’s volley went just wide of the near post.
The Cosmos would go into the locker room with a 3-1 lead at halftime. The Cosmos didn’t waste any time adding to their lead, as a masterful display of dribbling by Leo Fernandes set up Mkosana, who was one on one with the keeper. The striker would complete the cool finish on a curling shot into the far post to make it 4-1 after 49 minutes of play.
FC Edmonton showed signs of life in the 74th minute, when Tom Ameobi broke down the Cosmos backline. The ball found the feet of captain Ritchie Jones who was alone in front of goal and Jones scored a consolation goal to reduce the deficit to two goals.
The Cosmos’ 4-2 win was their fourth victory in six games during the Spring Season, with the team remaining undefeated and top of the NASL standings.T
The Cosmos are back in action next Saturday when they travel to WakeMed Soccer Park to take on the Carolina Railhawks.
