Cosmos Beat Scorpions Off Early Second Half Goal

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- The Cosmos can thank San Antonio Scorpions' defender Brad Rusin for helping the home squad to grab their third win of the fall season. It was Rusin who deflected a free kick from Hunter Freeman into his own net to give the Cosmos the 2-1 lead in the 47th minute of the game.

It was the Cosmos' third win in their last four games and the fifth straight game that they have picked up points in the standings.

The Cosmos and Scorpions traded scoring chances through the first 45 minutes of the game. Raul missed the net on a chance in the 13th minute and Rusin nearly got one by Cosmos' keeper Jimmy Maurer in the 21st minute, but Adam Moffet was able to clear the ball away. Another chance came in the 25th minute for Andres Flores, who was able to get inside the box. However, he was not able to connect with a teammate on a cross and the ball went out of play.

Later in the half Lucky Mkosana headed the ball wide of the Scorpions net. Two minutes after that Leo Fernandes had a rebound goal waved off due to an apparent offsides.

After all the Cosmos' chances, the Scorpions found themselves in the drivers seat after a stoppage time goal by Milton Palacios. Billy Forbes was able to set up Palacios for the goal. But the Cosmos answered right back seconds later thanks to a rebound goal by Fernandes. Raul took the initial shot and hit the crossbar, which allowed Fernandes to put home the rebound.

Two minutes into the second half Rusin struck again... for the wrong team. Freeman's free kick hit Rusin in front of the net and went in to give the Cosmos the 2-1 lead.

The Cosmos kept the pressure up and maintained a strangle hold on possession -- New York finished the game with a 52-48 advantage in possession. The Cosmos outshot the Scorpions 10-6 and led the game in corners 6-1.

New York will head to Carolina to take on the Railhawks next Saturday.