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The Cosmos finished their regular season with a win against Minnesota United FC on Saturday. Both teams had their chances, but the Cosmos were the only team to hit the back of the net. US wonderkid Eric Cavillo was able to score his first professional goal on an open header. He squared away a beautiful cross from NASL golden ball nominee Ayoze to give the Cosmos the lead. Once given the lead, Jimmy Maurer did everything in his power to protect it. The keeper’s stellar performance also impressed SNL and Ghostbusters star Leslie Jones who was watching the game:
Ok y'all soccer is on today I'm gonna be looking for a boyfriend lmao pic.twitter.com/6p6A6ZfwEn
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) October 30, 2016
.@Lesdoggg @JimsMaurer is taken
— New York Cosmos (@NYCosmos) October 30, 2016
BUT! We've got this game next Saturday in NY... #TheChampionship pic.twitter.com/rWM6gqgED6
@NYCosmos @JimsMaurer I'll be there you in ny sooo I cheer for you too
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) October 30, 2016
This game was a great opportunity for the Cosmos to rest up and rotate before the playoffs. Gio Savarese smartly decided to rest star man Juan Arango. The Cosmos squad is looking deep, and there are many question marks over who will be in the starting eleven in the playoffs. Will Gio opt to play Lucky out wide or down the middle? Who will partner with Mendes? Will form player Orozco get the call or will the experienced Flores start?
Winning the Fall season and earning home field advantage has been great for the Cosmos, but their season will only be judged on what they do in the next two games. In the Championship semifinal, the Cosmos will play Rayo OKC, who they failed to beat in the Fall season. This match could also be the Cosmos’ last in Hofstra win or lose. Although the Cosmos have home field advantage throughout the playoffs, it is currently unclear where NASL Championship match in New York would take place. Time to get hyped for the chase for the Championship!