Cosmos Come From Behind to Beat RailHawks 3-2

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Luck Mkosana had several scoring chances on the night, but he finished when it mattered most scoring the game-winning goal in the 85th minute to grab the Cosmos 3-2 win over the Carolina RailHawks.

Mkosana buried a shot from inside the penalty area five minutes after Cosmos' star Raul hit the post on a penalty kick. Mkosana had a hand in the Cosmos game-tying goal as well, drawing a foul inside the box that set up Raul for a penalty kick goal in the 61st minute.

The Cosmos started off the game strong and scored in the first two minutes of the match. Raul set up Andres Flores in the box to give the Cosmos the 1-0 lead. New York remained in control of the match getting several chances, including a header that went over the net in the 10th minute and two-on-none rush that was broken up inside the penalty by a RailHawks defender.

Carolina did find an equalizer in the 23rd minute, despite the Cosmos' control of the match. Tiyiselani Shipalane was able to get inside the box and sent a pass to Nazmi Albadawi, who put the ball into the Cosmos net. The home side nearly took the lead back in the 26th minute, but Mkosana hit the post on his shot.

The RailHawks eventually took advantage of a Cosmos' miscue and Shipalane was able to set up Albadawi to give Carolina the 2-1 advantage late in the first half.

In the second, the Cosmos came out of the locker room looking to even the game up. They pressured the RailHawks and Mkosana was able to draw the foul inside the box in the 61st minute and then Raul evened the game up.

After striking the iron on a second penalty kick opportunity by Raul, Mkosana scored the game winner with five minutes remaining in regulation.

New York finished the game with a 57-43 advantage in possession and a 7-4 lead in shots. The Cosmos also lead the RailHawks in corners. Cosmos' keeper Brian Holt and RailHawks keeper Akira Fitzgerald each made a save in the game.

Keeper Jimmy Maurer and defender Hunter Freeman each sat out Sunday's game due to tightness in their hamstrings.

With the win, the Cosmos extend their unbeaten streak to eight games and capture three more important points in the NASL fall standings. They will travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Rowdies next Saturday at 7:30.