Three NASL Matches Highlight Mid-Week Action
By Daniel Garza
Six clubs were featured in the NASL mid-week action, with three clubs improving their unbeaten run to three matches.
New York Cosmos vs. Jacksonville Armada
The New York Cosmos won their third match in a row by defeating Jacksonville 3-0. With the victory they now stand alone at the top of the table.
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It got off to a crazy start in New York when Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer almost scored in the 10th minute. He lifted a ball down field that took a hefty bounce and required Armada goalkeeper Sean Lewis to make a diving save.
The opening goal would come in the 27th minute when Andres Flores slotted home his first of the year. Lucky Mkosana would pick up the assist on the goal.
For the Armada it was a first half of missed chances. They produced some quality chances, including a golden opportunity that required Maurer to make a spectacular save to keep the ball out of the net.
David Diosa would put the Cosmos up 2-0 in the 36th minute. He connected with a Andres Flores cross and dispatched into the net.
Adam Moffat would get the insurance goal in the second half with a fantastic shot into the left corner. The Armada failed to produce a goal and Maurer would pick up his first shutout of the fall season.
The Cosmos will travel to Oklahoma for a Saturday night match up with Rayo OKC this weekend. For the Armada it will be another road test, as they play in-state rival Miami FC on Saturday.
All Goals
Bonus Highlights
https://twitter.com/NYCosmos/status/753387697432043520
Rayo OKC vs. Puerto Rico FC
It was a dramatic ending to this one, as Rayo OKC would come back from a 2-0 deficit to avoid their first loss of the fall season.
Hector Ramos broke the deadlock in the first half when he connected with a Pedro Mendes cross. Some great defensive play in the final minutes of the half allowed Puerto Rico to head into the break with a 1-0 lead.
They would increase their lead to 2-0 in the 55th minute courtesy of Tyler Rudy. Poor defending allowed the midfielder to fire home his first of the season.
Rayo OKC would find some life in the 83rd minute when Sebastian Velasquez fired home from a few yards out.
The deceive moment would come in the 88th minute when Billy Forbes was fouled in the box. Michel stepped up to take the penalty and delivered the match tying goal.
Puerto Rico will look to pick up their first franchise win in Tampa Bay on Saturday. While Rayo OKC will host the New York Cosmos.
Highlights
Indy Eleven vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers
After a lengthy three hour delay due to weather, the Indy Eleven didn’t disappoint the fans that waited as they went on to win 3-0.
All three goals would come inside the first half-hour. Eamon Zayed fired home the first goal of the match. He received a cross from Nicki Paterson and calmly dispatched it past the keeper.
Duke Lacroix would extend the lead to 2-0 in the 21st minute. His pace was too much for the Strikers defender Gabriel and he fired home a left footed strike.
Just five minutes later Greg Janicki headed home a corner kick for the third goal. Nicki Paterson provided the assist with second of the night.
The rest of the first half was a nightmare for the Strikers as the Eleven hit the woodwork multiple times. In the 41st minute Geison Moura would be sent off on a second yellow for a rash challenge. Reducing the Strikers to 10 men.
It was a less eventful second half as the Strikers struggled with 10 men. In the end it was a well deserved victory for the home side.
The win extends the Eleven’s unbeaten streak to 13 matches, which ties the NASL modern era record.
Highlights
Up next will be rematch for the Eleven on Saturday when they travel to Minnesota. The Strikers will also play on Saturday night when they host Carolina.