After coming away with only one point on their three game road trip, The Cosmos (finally) return home their first ever match against new NASL expansion team Puerto Rico FC.

In their last match, the Cosmos blew a 1-0 lead and fell to FC Edmonton 2-1. In the first half of the match, the Cosmos played very well, controlled possession and had more chances than the home side. However, the Eddie’s second half was similar to the Cosmos’s first as they controlled the game and caught the Cosmos’ defensive high line sleeping twice on the counter to overcome the deficit. This match showcased two of the league’s best keepers as NASL saves leader Matt VanOekel and Jimmy Mauer both made keys saves to keep their respective teams in the game. The two are even with Rayo Okc’s Daniel Fernandes and Indy Eleven’s Jon Busch in the golden glove race at six clean sheets apiece.

Although the Cosmos have struggled on the road this season, they have been undefeated at home. They will look to get their fall campaign back on track after falling to fourth in the Fall Season table. Since Indy XI and FC Edmonton are level on points with, and have game in hand on the Cosmos, The Boys in Green will really need a win in order to keep up with the rest of the pack.

Owned by New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, Puerto Rico FC will be looking for the first road win in their club’s history at Shuart. In their last match, they recorded their first ever win against fellow expansion side Rayo OKC. An away win tomorrow could be a statement of intent from Puerto Rico to the rest of the NASL.

Players to watch

The Cosmos will likely depend on the leadership of Juan Arrango to break their winless streak. The veteran has scored in his last two matches for the Cosmos. Yasmani Duk has also found form after returning from the Copa America Centenario with Bolivia, with a goal and assist in his last two matches.

The Cosmos will also have to look out for PRFC’s leading goalscorer Hector Ramos. The pacy Puerto Rican has scored in four of his club’s last five matches.

Match Prediction

I think the Cosmos will return to their winning ways against Puerto Rico FC and win 2-1 with Yasmani Duk scoring a brace. Ramos may give the Cosmos’s high defensive line some issues, but the Cosmos should be able to pull out a win and remain undefeated at home.

The match begins at 7:30 at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium. Tickets are available now, or you can watch the match on One World Sports.