The New York Cosmos needed a win on Sunday afternoon, and got on, thanks to an impressive comeback capped by an Ayoze wonder strike. The boys in green will still have a chance to earn the top seed in the NASL playoffs with a win next weekend and some help, meaning the playoff-chasing Tampa Bay Rowdies are likely to have their work cut out for them at Hofstra.
The boys in green looked impressive early, but a defensive lapse just before the half allowed San Antonio to score, and take the lead into the break. Second half goals form Marcos Senna (from the penalty spot) and Ayoze (spectacular free kick) sent the visitors home happy though, by virtue of a 2-1 victory, against an opponent that gave the Cosmos all sorts of trouble last season.
For the Cosmos, the focus now turns to October 31, when they host the Tampa Bay Rowdies in their regular season finale. The 'Mos need a win to have any chance of the top seed, and the Rowdies can clinch a spot in the post season by doing the same. New York will also need some help from the Atlanta Silverbacks, who need to take points off the Fury November 1 to make 56 points enough to clinch the top seed.
To control the tiebreaker against the Ottawa Fury, New York will need to beat the Rowdies by two goals or more, giving them the edge should Ottawa drop two points with a draw.