Match Preview: Cosmos vs Minnesota United FC

This weekend the Cosmos face off against Minnesota United FC at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium. The Cosmos haven’t lost a game since July, winning five of their last seven. They currently sit at the apex of both the Fall and Combined standings with forty-five point in both seasons. The Cosmo’s depth will be reinforced by the return of key players returning from international break, as Yasmani Duk, Andres Flores, Eric Cavillo, and David Ochieng return from representing their respective countries.

At the end of the season, Minnesota United FC intends to leave the NASL and take the Championship with it. The MLS-bound Loons are currently holding on to the last playoff spot and are undefeated in their last five games. Perhaps many of the players trying to show they are worthy of moving to the MLS with the Loons?

Players to Watch

Everyone is anticipating a goal scoring showdown between golden boot candidates Juan Arango and Christian Ramirez. Both players have scored twenty two goals in nearly as many games (Arrango averages a goal a game and Ramirez misses that mark by one game.). The Cosmos offense failed to score in their last game, but perhaps the return of Duk and Flores will help in that regard.

In their first match post Hunter Freeman, the Cosmos managed a clean sheet. However, the defensive unit was not truly tested since they only faced one shot on target the entire match. Will they be able to stop a Christian Ramirez who’s hungry for a USMNT cap?

Match Prediction

Both teams are coming in hot, but I think the Cosmos will edge out Minnesota. I think playing at home in front of the Five Points will make the difference between two pretty even teams. 2-1 Cosmos.

Kickoff is at 7pm at Shuart. Tickets are available now . The match will be Televised on One World sports, which is now available on Directv!