(NPSL 2016 Regional Semi-Final) New York Cosmos B 0v1 New Jersey Copa FC








Monday 20th July 2016
Hofstra University, New York   Attendance -
Cosmos B's Title defence came to an end at the first hurdle of the NPSL playoffs after a surprise reverse against New Jersey Copa FC.
The first half was an even contest with chances at both ends. Holzer denied the visitors an early goal with a goal-line clearance and Guerrero made a save on the 20 minute mark to deny NJ Copa's Lawrence on another occasion. Cosmos responded and created 2 opportunities of their own, but Bedoya and Cortez could not find the target.
As the half grew on Cosmos started to create more chances and Gaston Sanchez had the ball in the net after a Ruiz free-kick, but the Cosmos were denied by an offside flag. The action continued at both ends and Guerrero kept the scores level just before half time, first tipping over an effort by Mendoza then pulling off a great save from Berriel.
NJ Copa applied pressure to the Cosmos defence early in the 2nd half but Cosmos forced Copa keeper Ruiz into a diving save from a free-kick on the hour mark to maintain the deadlock. Two minutes later the Cosmos goal was under threat again after a good run but Russell came to the rescue for the home side.
It was the side from New Jersey that got the all important breakthrough as Correia weaved through the Cosmos defence and finished past Guerrero. The Cosmos went in search of an equaliser. A rocket from Castellanos was saved in the 84th minute, but Copa were still a threat and Gurel was denied by McTurk to keep the deficit down to 1 goal.
Cosmos launched pressure on the Copa in the closing minutes, including keeper Guerrero pushing up, but Copa stayed firm and the 2015 NPSL Champions made an early exit from the 2016 playoffs.






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