When the springs season ended I thought the short preseason lead to a shaky second place finish and things would be better in the fall. The reality is the team has continued to play dismal defense and 1 win, 3 losses, and 6 draws has them on the way to possibly finishing last in the fall and missing the Championship. Tonight displayed all the failings; bad marking, possession but the inability to break through a strong defense, and no will to play the ball wide. At least Holt played a stronger game than recent goalkeepers have and Starikov a few others played with a full 100% effort. With Ledesma playing [as a sub] for the first in over a month gives me hope that the team will, at long last, make one last attempt to salvage the season. Arrango returning to last year's form is a must. As is finding a defensive cohesiveness that has for so long eluded them. Full credit to NC; they played smart tactically and their defense was outstanding; that Slyvester was never truly tested proves how good the players in front of him were. Da Luz and Gorne both finished their opportunities with ease.
Unfortunately, Arrango is out for the rest of the season: http://www.empireofsoccer.com/cosmos-lose-arango-rest-of-the-season-65688/
Very entertaining game vs Indy, though we were chasing a tie. I liked the work rates of Lucky and Calvillo. Ochieng played a decent game. That first goal by Indy was a goal of the week candidate. At least we are still in the hunt for a playoff place
Cosmos clearly had more chances to score tonight so another disappointing tie. EDM defense was quite good but so too the Cosmos who it seems have settled into a back four of Mulligan-Jackovic-Mendes-Ayoze. I think Mulligan has outplayed Richter at RB and deserves to start. Bardic played quite well but I think if healthy we need Franjican [for his size and skill] with either Lucky, Starikov, or Bardic in a 4-4-2. Most of our best chances came from free kicks with Ledesma, Marquez, and Ayoze all narrowly missing wide. Guerra had an open header off a corner that just missed. I really liked Galvao for EDM; he made runs in second half that caused concern for Cosmos back line. We've played 29 games and have 14 ties; thats frustrating. Final three games are PR, J'ville, & PR again; we control our chances for the championship. Now would be the time to win a game or two. BTW, for a team whose future is uncertain the crowd was great, over 6800. The weather being better in the fall than the spring may be a factor; or maybe it just takes time to build awareness. I hope to have a chance to find out next year.
4-4 draw, wish I could've seem the game on espn3. Good attendance. Lucky with his first goal, Ocheing with a goal! Flores with 2 assists. We still have an outside shot at the 3rd playoff spot!
Just saw the highlights; while 4 goals scored is great I look at the 4 given [and well finished] and all four show a defender not marking his man [I'm looking at Guerra, Ochieng, Flores plus the Ryden goal]. Inconsistent defense has consistently hurt the team all year. Mendes hasn't played the last two games and without him we're hurting. Despite the deficiencies we're in position for the championship; just don't get your hopes up! Great to see Jimmy Mulligan with a goal. He has been good all year and deserves the minutes he's getting.
Finally the Cosmos play a great passing game and get the goals. Both Teams played 4-4-2 and I think this would be lineup the Cosmos use for the championship. First half the Cosmos had good chances but came up short, Starikov and Ledesma in particular. The second half Manu took over; all three of his goals were solid finishes, the first was spectacular. Mendes and Lucky with beautiful finishes as well. Too bad the NASL highlights didn't show Marquez's chip from midfield; nice vision and a good effort. For me the story here is the passing, short and crisp; opening up PR's midfield. Big night for Mendes. Great video shown with highlights and messages and then he scores a beautiful one touch rocket. Nice of Gio to give him the last minute sub for the tribute he received from the crowd; so deserved. Although PR gave up 5 goals tonight I was impressed by Soria; he was solid while other flailed around him. Particular liked when down 2 goals late he yelled quite loudly at Michael Ramos for not running to a ball [he was soon subbed out]. He's smart and solid [did I mention that Mendes is retiring?]. The only flaw? Defensive giveaways for goals. Once again the Cosmos showed why the are not championship material this year. Guerra on the first goal was terrible; this was the first of two superb finishes by Welshman.
Nice offensive showing, I guess we'll need to score more to cover our defensive shortcomings if we are to take the championship. We almost gave up a 3rd goal due to complacency. Nice to also see that Calvillo had 2- '2nd assists'. The game vs Miami will be a high scoring one.