Danny Szetela’s headed goal in the 88th minute was the difference as the New York Cosmos defeated New York City FC in the Fourth Round of the U.S. Open Cup for a second straight year, prevailing 1-0 at Fordham University’s Coffey Field Wednesday night.
Adam Moffat started the quick counter and slipped a pass to the left. Szetela made a strong run into the box and nodded the winner in from just inside the six-yard box.
“The feeling is great because its two New York teams; the East River Derby,” Szetela said. “I think it shows an NASL side can do well in the Open Cup. Our goal has been set from the beginning of the year to win it and I think we can compete against any team in MLS.”
This is the third straight year the Cosmos advance to the Round of 16 after defeating local MLS competition. The Cosmos have also won three out of four matches against NYCFC and the Red Bulls in the U.S. Open Cup.
The New York Cosmos had the better scoring chances of a scoreless first half.
In the sixth minute, Juan Arango intercepted a bad clearance by goalkeeper Eirik Johansen and put a shot from 14 yards out on frame. But Johansen did well to push the attempt away.
In the 15th minute, Yohandry Orozco cut inside of a defender to create space, but Johansen again parried away. Later in the first half, Jairo Arrieta played Szetela behind the NYCFC defense, but Johansen pounced off his line to corral the ball.
Jimmy Maurer was pressed into action after halftime, knocking aside a dipping shot from distance by Diego Martinez in the 54th minute.
In the 68th minute, Maurer pushed away a bouncing shot by Patrick Mullins, who also beat Maurer to a ball over the top before Hunter Freeman bravely cleared off the near post five minutes later.
The Cosmos will host MLS side New England Revolution in the Fifth Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, June 29 at Belson Stadium on the campus of St. John’s University in Queens. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
“We knew we would be facing a difficult opponent before the draw. Now that we know we will play against New England we must prepare ourselves for a challenging match,” said Cosmos Head Coach, Giovanni Savarese. “We are committed to the Open Cup and feel determined to make it to the next round.”
New England edged the Carolina RailHawks 1-0 with an early extra time goal from Haitian midfielder Zachary Herivaux.
The winner of the matchup between New York and New England will advance to host a Quarterfinal fixture against either the Philadelphia Union or New York Red Bulls.
Ticketing information for the Cosmos’ Fifth Round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match will be available at NYCosmos.com.
