COSMOS B EARN FIRST VICTORY OF THE 2017 NPSL SEASON
The Cosmos B defeated TSF FC 2-1 Thursday night at Rocco B. Commisso Stadium. The athmosphere was electric, with support following last week’s 2-1 loss to the Brooklyn Italians, as the Cosmos B side looked to bounce back and get their first win of the season.
The game started with an eager Cosmos B looking to capitalize first over their opponents. Driven to prevail, the home side got off to an early start with the first shot of the game coming in the second minute of the match. The shot by Bledi Bardic was knocked out by goalkeeper Mateo Zabala, leading to the first corner of the game. Continuing with that momentum, the Cosmos B led with most of the possession through 15 minutes and three corners. The offense and flow of the game was enticing and roaring, just waiting for a moment of success. The game then turned physical and the home side conceded two free kicks, which led to yellow cards in the 27th and 33th minutes by Endri Berisha and Mohammed Rashid.
Just before the half, the Cosmos B regained their composure and gained a free kick with few minutes to go. It was taken by Lucas Coutinho, who missed just wide. As the teams headed to the locker room, the Cosmos B felt comfortable knowing they had created many chances and opportunities and had dominated possession, even though the scoreboard read 0-0.
As the second half started and progressed, both teams looked fired up and motivated, and yet again the Cosmos B had the upper hand. In the 48th minute, TSF FC conceded a free kick outside the 18-yard box, another chance but no goal as of yet. TSF’s luck changed, however, when Lucas Terci gave the away team the lead in the 60th minute. The Cosmos B were down 0-1 and the momentum swung in favor of TSF FC.
After a couple of substitutions by the Cosmos B, the team was rejuvenated with fresh legs and yet again gained momentum and drive to the net. In the 72nd minute, Lucas Coutinho showed some fancy footwork and soared a shot just wide of the crossbar. The home team was now applying full-force pressure and worrying their opponents. In the 76th minute, they got closer with a shot that deflected off a defender’s hand, leading to a penalty kick. The kick was taken by José Najera, hitting off the post. Immediately after, a red card as issued to TSF’s Tyler Pinho for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Now, one man down, the Cosmos B capitalized on the disadvantage of their opponents and gained a free kick just outside the 18 yard box. Coutinho took charge, but it was Rhys Willams who scored a goal picking up a rebound and tying up the match.
In the final five minutes of regulation the game looked to end in a draw with both teams pushing and giving their all to finish strong. One last opportunity arose for the Cosmos B as Christian Thierjung passed it through to Bardic, who ripped a shot right past the keeper, giving the team a 2-1 lead with minutes remaining. The Cosmos B held their opponents as the time dwindled down. The referee blew the final whistle shortly after and it was all settled for the Cosmos B, earning their first victory of the season defeating TSF FC 2-1.
The Cosmos B return to play on June 3rd at 3:00 pm when they visit Seacoast United at Amesbury Sports Park, followed by a June 4th visit to Greater Lowell NPSL FC. The team will return to Rocco B. Commisso Stadium June 10 at 7:00 pm to host Seacoast United.
