Cosmos manhandle Miami in last home match

Author’s Note: I initally reported that Miami FC was eliminated from playoff contention, but after 21 games they are still mathematically alive. Sorry for the mistake.

If this is the last game the Cosmos play at Hofstra, they went out with a bang. The Cosmos put on a show against Miami FC with a 4-0 win on Fan Appreciation night . The Cosmos drew blood within the first ten minutes as a perfectly placed Juan Arango cross was guided by Jairo Arietta into the back of the net. Hunter Freeman must have forgotten he wasn’t a part of the home team, as his poor clearance fell straight to his former teammate Yohandry Orozco, who chipped it into the back of the net. Things would keep getting worse for Miami. Juan Arango quietly became the modern-era Cosmos’ top scorer with his third free-kick goal in two games. Orozco would score a second by beating Daniel Vega at the near post.

With the loss, Miami is eliminated from playoff contention. You would think a team managed by Alessandro Nesta would be better defensively. Former NYCFC and Cosmos killer Poku was suspended for the match. Although the match meant little for the playoff bound Cosmos, it was a nice tune-up match for the Cosmos. Arietta and Orozco are really making cases to start in the playoffs. It’s also nice to see Roversio playing a full 90 minutes. He could be a difference maker for New York in the playoffs. Keeper Jimmy Maurer was rested for the match, and Brian Holt looked solid when called upon. Andrea Mancini also made his Cosmos debut, playing in the final minutes of the match. Finally, congrats to Danny Szetela who proposed to his wife after the game!

The Cosmos have one more regular season game left next week against Minnesota FC. The Cosmos could send the Loons packing to MLS, as they need a win and a Rayo OKC loss to make the playoffs.