Chattanooga FC Falls to New York Cosmos B in the Members Cup Opening Match

August 12, 2019

2007

118

Chattanooga FC

New York Cosmos B

0 - 1

Final Score

By Chattanooga FC

Before the 2019 NPSL regular season began, fans had August 10th circled on their calendars. The NPSL announced the creation of the Members Cup and the first weekend’s flagship matchup was set: Chattanooga FC vs. New York Cosmos.

When the match finally arrived, it certainly did not disappoint. 83 minutes of tight play, hard-fought passes, and near goals all fell to the wayside as New York Cosmos midfielder and El Salvador national team standout Junior Burgos executed a perfect free kick from 28 yards out to give the away team the lone goal in the match.

The opening half was as tight as could be, with the boys in blue maintaining possession through much of the opening chapter, and the Cosmos defending a high line and playing their men straight up, giving no space at all. Opportunities were few and far between, with either team getting only a handful of looks.

The Cosmos missed a golden opportunity early, when Aly Hassan missed an open net in the 10th minute. Just a short time later, CFC defender Juan Sanchez hit the crossbar on a free kick. Eventual CFC Man of the Match Joao Costa created multiple chances for himself, but wasn’t able to cash in. Much credit should be given to the CFC defense as they neutralized Cosmos attacks early and often.

The second half opened up a bit, and the home team made some dangerous runs into the Cosmos’ side of the field. Alun Webb gave the New York backline fits with his blazing speed, but he was never able to pick the Cosmos’ lock. In the 84th minute, Burgos took his opportunity and nailed an untouchable free kick into the upper right side of the goal, missing D’Amico’s gloves by millimeters.

3,347 fans took in the spectacle on a perfect late summer evening, disappointed in the result, but enthused by the opportunity for more soccer to come.