Jun 14, 2014; Hempstead, NY, USA; New York Cosmos fans react after a Cosmos goal against New York Red Bulls during the U.S. Open Cup match at Shuart Stadium. The Cosmos defeated the Red Bulls 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Curtin’s Philadelphia Union are coming off a massive 3-1 victory over the Harrisburg City Islanders in U.S. Open Cup play at PPL Park in Chester, Pa. On June 24, they face a slightly tougher opponent: Giovanni Savarese’s New York Cosmos, who are coming off a 3-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls at Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, N.Y. The winner takes on either the Rochester Rhinos or New Engnaldn Revolution in the quarterfinals.
Kickoff at PPL Park is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Tuesday night’s match between the Philadelphia Union and New York Cosmos.
1. Andrew Wenger with a brace
Philadelphia Union forward Andrew Wenger was the hero late in extra time, scoring a brace in the 110th and 117th minutes against Harrisburg. Against the Cosmos, Wenger will have a field day scoring, with a brace.
2. Mads Stokkelien with a brace
On the other side of the equation is Cosmos forward Mads Stokkelien, who scored a brace in the seventh and 73rd minutes against the Red Bulls. Stokkelien has a cannon of a leg and can finish. He will also get a brace in this shootout at PPL Park.
3. Maurice Edu hammers one home
Maurice Edu delivered an equalizer in the 89th minute of play against Harrisburg and against the Cosmos, Edu will show his USA Men’s National Team pedigree with some late heroics in the second half.
4. Alessandro Noselli with a nose for goal
Seems in big situations, Cosmos forward Alessandro Noselli has a nose for goal. While his 78th minute goal against the Red Bulls was mere insurance, his goal in this match will be crucial to the chances of New York.
5. Sebastian Guenzatti finally gets the finish down
One player that came close multiple times to finishing was Cosmos midfielder Sebastian Guenzatti. He will need to get the finishing down pat if the Cosmos are to prevail in this game against the Union.
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6. Jimmy Maurer with under five saves
This will definitely not be a night for the goalkeepers. New York Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer did well enough to maintain the shutout in their victory against the Red Bulls, but the Union are a different beast altogether. Maurer will make under five saves.
7. Andre Blake with under five saves
Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake earned the start against Harrisburg, and the MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting that Blake will earn the start against the Cosmos. As mentioned, this will not be a night for the goalkeepers, and so Blake will make under five saves.
8. Joseph Nane with at least an assist
Every underdog team requires an X-Factor, and for the Cosmos, that X-Factor is midfielder Joseph Nane. Nane shine in their 3-0 shutout win over the Red Bulls, and for one of the best teams in the NASL to remain in the hunt, Nane will need the heart of a lion without the brain of the goldfish, to paraphrase the Portland Timbers’ Will Johnson. Nane will get at least one assist in this game.
9. At least 40 fouls and three cards
This will be a scrappy affair in Chester as both teams have their sights set on another Northeastern team to be determined. At least 40 fouls will be whistled and at least three cards will be used.
10. New York Cosmos win a goal festival
The fans at PPL Park will be treated to a high-scoring, defense-optional affair. In the end, the Cosmos are going to ride on their result over the Red Bulls and prevail over a Philadelphia Union team clearly in transition.
New York Cosmos 4, Philadelphia Union 3