New York Cosmos Lose in 5th round of U.S. Open Cup: After Fight Breaks Out During Match

TheNew York Cosmoshave been riding an outstanding hot streak heading into the 5^thround of theLamar HuntU.S. Open Cup. Unfortunately, last night the Cosmos lose 2-1 in a barbaric and competitive match— against another MLS team thePhiladelphia Unionin extra time. The match took place on Tuesday at PPL Park inPhiladelphia, PA—where the two teams battled for 120 Minutes.

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The two teams played a stalemate for the whole first half. Both teams’ defenses were playing at a high level. The Cosmos and the Union also had opportunities to score but were unable to convert. The Cosmos were able to strike first, when (Forward)

Alessandro Noseli

scored in the

on a pass from (Midfielder)

Danny Szetela.

A minute later, the Union knotted the game up when prolific goal scorer

Sabestien Le Toux

was able score —after a breakdown in the Cosmos defense with a cross right in front of the box. As the game whined down, the competitive level of the game picked up and things got chippy. In the

of the game a controversial call was invoked when referee Ishmail Elfath called

Jimmy Ockford

for grabbing

Maurice Edo

in the box.

Jun 24, 2014; Chester, PA, USA; Referee Ismail Elfath issues a red card to New York Cosmos forward Alessandro Noselli (22) during the second overtime period of the U.S. Open Cup match against the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park. The Union won the match 2-1 after two overtime periods. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

Sabastien Le Toux was able to capitalize on the PK giving the Union a 2-1 lead. (Goalkeeper)Jimmy Maurerwas also given a yellow card for arguing the call. In the closing minutes of the game, an altercation broke out where three players were sent off with red cards (Defender)Ayoze Perez,(Midfielder)Michael Lahoud,and DefenderJimmy Ockfordall sustained red cards for their involvement in a fight in the118^thminute.Majority of the players and the coaches felt they were swindled by the call that allowed Sabestian Le Toux to score the game-winning goal with a penalty kick. Former Union Coach and New York assistantAlecko Eskandarianalso felt the same way. He tweeted out after the game that the Cosmos “Deserved better if not for one donkey in the middle.” The New York Cosmos even with this loss are increasing their overall profile over the last few seasons stemming from their extraordinary play. The Cosmos are not your regularNASL/USLteam,” saidAmobi Okugo,who was switched from the backline to the midfield on Tuesday. “They’ve put a lot of effort and time into their team and organization. They really wanted to make noise in this tournament and we did a good job holding firm and getting the win.” In a dominating performance against theRed Bulls, the Cosmos looked more than just a JV team. They destroyed the Red Bulls in almost every category. The 3-0 convincing win showed they are a poetical powerhouse soccer club this region. Cosmos are the defending Champions ofthe National American Soccer League.Cosmos are(6-2-1)and seem to be the class of the (NASL)

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