Raúl scored his sixth goal of the season to lift the New York Cosmos to a 1-0 win over 10-man Jacksonville Armada FC in a North American Soccer League Fall Season match at rain-soaked Shuart Stadium Saturday night.
The Spanish legend broke the stalemate in the 74th minute. He received a pass from Walter Restrepo with his left foot, went momentarily to his right before striking past Jacksonville Armada FC goalkeeper David Sierra from 12 yards out.
“I have to be honest: I felt we were going to find a way to win the game,” Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese said after the contest. “The important thing was for us to be calm, to be solid defensively, and at some point the game was going to give us something to be able to win. The special moment was given by Raul.”
“The assist was amazing,” Raúl said. “It was not an easy ball for Restrepo to pull back, and in this moment I tried to find the space to shoot. In the first moment I didn’t see any, and after a fake I could find the space to score this goal.
“I think it’s very important and I’m very happy for me, but I’m more happy for the team. It’s the most important that we win the game.”
The Cosmos, who extended their home unbeaten streak to 18 matches, avenged a 1-0 loss to Jacksonville on July 18. The Armada FC became the first NASL team to beat the Cosmos this year.
New York (6-4-2) remains tied on points in second place with Minnesota United FC for the Fall, three behind first-place Ottawa Fury FC. The Cosmos extended their lead over Ottawa and Minnesota in the Combined Standings to six points.
“I think it was a good response by the team today after Tampa to come here, to show quality, to be very solid and get a very important win,” Savarese said.
Until Raul delivered the winner, it was all about close chances for the Cosmos. Restrepo nearly put the Cosmos in front, but his lob from distance was wide of the far post in the 41st minute. One minute later, Lucky Mkosana went streaking down the right, but couldn’t put his shot on frame.
Jacksonville (3-2-7) was reduced to 10 men in the 52nd minute when defender Lucas Trejo received a straight red card by referee Nima Saghafi for a high kick to Mkosana’s face.
In the 71st minute, Marcos Senna unloaded from distance, but Jacksonville goalkeeper David Sierra parried the attempt over the bar for the Cosmos second corner of the match.
“Today I think we threatened more than Jacksonville, but Jacksonville defended very well with their lines together. They made it difficult for us.”
A driving rain throughout most of the match made the field extremely quick, but the Cosmos persevered.
“Today the game was different because the ball was very fast, very bouncy and they did a good job to pressure us in the middle so it required a lot of effort from our part to fight and win every ball,” Savarese said. “Second balls were very important. The team stood up and was able to manage the conditions we had today.”
Argentine striker Gastón Cellerino made his Cosmos debut when he replaced Andrés Flores in the 72nd minute. He nearly scored in the 90th minute, but Sierra got a piece of his attempted lob.
“I thought it was very positive. When he came in, he gave us a lot,” Savarese said of Cellerino. “He was able to hold the ball, make good runs, support Lucky and then he created two chances.”
The Cosmos return to the road to take on Minnesota United FC next Saturday at 8 p.m.
