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With their hopes for Spring Season title on the line, the Cosmos head down to Miami to face off against league leaders Miami FC. The home team just might be the biggest super team in the city since Lebron James’s Heat. Nesta’s side has gone undefeated since losing to the New York Cosmos back in April. Seven points ahead of New York, a win for Miami will all but confirm them a Spring Season Championship. Simply put, the Cosmos need a win to keep their spring hopes alive.
.@NYCosmos have been very good defensively on the road. That will need to continue against the league's best attack: https://t.co/ge8aa5uXkB pic.twitter.com/uYrZ2xIiau
— NASL (@naslofficial) June 22, 2017
A win against Miami could really turn the tide for the Cosmos. Although they have been unbeaten on the road, New York’s struggles at home have cost them this spring. However, in the Cosmos have been making smart moves to prepare for the fall. New York first extended the half-season contracts of Emmanuel Ledesma and Javi Marquez, two standouts of the spring season. The Cosmos pulled a double swoop this week, resigning fan-favorite Lucky Mkosana (with the help of a young superfan) and bringing in Israeli holding midfielder Kobi Moyal. Taking two of three against the league-leaders could be a huge statement of intent to the rest of the NASL.one of the best feel-good soccer stories of the year) and bringing in Israeli holding midfielder Kobi Moyal. Taking two of three against the league-leaders could be a huge statement of intent to the rest of the NASL.
#WelcomeKobi - Former Beitar Jerusalem F.C. and Maccabi Haifa F.C. midfielder joins the club - here are some of the skills the Israeli will bring to the NY Cosmos - plus a message from Moyal to the fans!
Posted by New York Cosmos on Thursday, June 22, 2017
Yet another example of how amazing our fans are... #CosmosCountry https://t.co/tvSU1zKPFM
— New York Cosmos (@NYCosmos) June 21, 2017
Players to watch
All eyes will be on Miami’s star forward Vincenzo Rennella. Rennella, who currently leads the NASL in both goals and assists, absolutely tore up the Jacksonville Armada in his team’s 4-0 blowout. He has already scored on the Cosmos this season, helping to spoil New York’s opener at MCU Park. However, the Cosmos are the only team to shut out Miami this year. They might have to again if they want the win.
#InTheNews: Vincenzo Rennella Propelling @TheMiamiFC's High-Powered Attack.#READ the @naslofficial's story here: https://t.co/HXT7ksQtnP pic.twitter.com/uwCAw29d4D
— The Miami FC (@TheMiamiFC) June 22, 2017
The Cosmos’ answer the home team’s attack may come through Lucky Mkosana. The forward’s familiarity with the team and Gio’s system may help him to start his first game back. Following his wonder-goal last week, Emmanuel Lesdema will also be looking to score again in his first match against Miami.
"I feel really, really good with this team, in this league."
— NASL (@naslofficial) June 22, 2017
Emmanuel Ledesma is hitting top form with the @NYCosmos. pic.twitter.com/8nnp8mtcMh
Match Prediction
You may have noticed in my match predictions that I hate to predict against the Cosmos. However, this could be New York’s hardest match thus far. Still, I’m an optimist through and through. 1-0 Cosmos
Kick-off for Saturday’s match is at 7:30 in Miami. The match can be watched on Bein Sports and the MSG Networks.