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The New York Cosmos will begin their quest for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup against the Brooklyn Italians.
In their last match, New York looked sharp, and played attractive football in their 4-0 win against Boston City FC last week. Even after a very comfortable win, the Cosmos will not rest of their laurels against Brooklyn. Cup success is critical in the eyes of the Cosmos and their supporters this season, so defeating the Italians in the play-in round is an absolute must.
Reaching for success. #NYCosmosB begins play in the @opencup on Sunday against @bklynitalians. #USOC2018 pic.twitter.com/5YBLZceLEn
— New York Cosmos (@NYCosmos) May 2, 2018
#NYCosmosB is ready to make an @opencup run.
— New York Cosmos (@NYCosmos) May 4, 2018
The journey in the tournament gets underway on Sunday: https://t.co/IBI8LpOsQn #USOC2018 pic.twitter.com/PLOQPu23o4
The Brooklyn Italians will begin their 2018 season with this matchup against the Cosmos and both clubs will play each other again ten days later in the NPSL. These two clubs have an intertwining history, as the Cosmos and Italians have shared many players throughout their history, and the Italians are an affiliate club of the New York Cosmos.
This weekend the NPSL season kicks off away at Boston.
— Brigada 71 (@CosmosAFA) April 26, 2018
Then Cosmos return “home” for a game against Brooklyn Italians on May 6th in the @usopencup.
Vamos Cosmos! pic.twitter.com/rYYAmDkKUt
Brooklyn Italians showing their #CosmosAffiliate pride! pic.twitter.com/7wmLFjCAnw
— New York Cosmos (@NYCosmos) August 30, 2015
Read up more on the Brooklyn Italians and their history with the Cosmos in this article from the NPSL and this one from Empire of Soccer.
Player to watch
Darwin Espinal was named @NPSLSoccer Player of the Week after his two goals in the 4-0 win over @BostonCityFC: https://t.co/MiQvskBMes pic.twitter.com/l4gX8yTBT5
— New York Cosmos (@NYCosmos) May 5, 2018
Darwin Espinal is likely going to be a key player for Cosmos B against Brooklyn. The winger scored 2 goals against Boston City FC and picked up NPSL Player of the Week honors.
Match Prediction
I think the Cosmos will be all business in this match up. The Cosmos know what is at stake and will deliver accordingly. Mystic Mike predicts a 2-0 win for New York in a true New York derby. With a win, the Cosmos play Lansdowne Boys next Wednesday.
The match kicks off at 8pm at LIU Brooklyn’s Athletic Facility