FC Edmonton 0 - New York Cosmos 1: Initial Reaction

Tonight's game was just about what we expected, a nervy affair in which the visitors struggled to create real chances until they managed to open the scoring. Fortunately, they found a first-half breakthrough when Sebastian Guenzatti nutmegged the keeper, and Colin Miller was forced to take a few more chances in the second half.

The Eddies looked far more dangerous after the hour mark, when they pulled several bodies from the overloaded midfield to add to the attack. By that point, however, New York were more than willing to simply sit back and absorb pressure, while looking to hit on the break when opportunities presented themselves. The victory keeps the Cosmos atop the table by virtue of goal differential, here are a few quick thoughts from the game with the full match report to come Sunday morning:

• I liked the inclusion of Stefan Dimitrov in place of Alessandro Noselli tonight, as he brings more physical play to the table against a tough, deep lying defense. With the way Edmonton set up though, starting a pacy player like Jemal Johnson might have been more effective.
• I don't know if the FC Edmonton broadcast or NASL Live were responsible for the awful audio issues tonight, but the game was nearly unwatchable. I hope they're planning to wait a few weeks before charging people for this service, as it's a long way from being ready.
• The turf at Clarke Stadium is terrible. July can't come soon enough.
• Jimmy Maurer looked much, much better this evening. We already knew he could stop shots, and if his decision making continues to look like it did tonight, MLS sides will probably be looking at him next winter.
• Edmonton did a nice job crowding out the New York midfield for most of the first hour. Unfortunately for them, it came at the expense of any sort of attack. They just aren't going to score enough to challenge for a playoff place with that sort of approach, though that style will make them a team that the three Canadian MLS sides want to avoid in the Canadian Championship.
• I was really hoping the Cosmos would be able to add to their GD advantage after Minnesota won on the final kick of their game, but I'll gladly take the 1-0 win tonight.