Twice a Cosmo - Spring Season Match 3: New York Cosmos vs. San Antonio ScorpionsReshaping the American soccer landscape since 1971https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52616/tac_fav.png2014-04-28T08:42:16-04:00http://www.twiceacosmo.com/rss/stream/53826292014-04-28T08:42:16-04:002014-04-28T08:42:16-04:00Highlights and interviews from Scorpions' loss
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<figcaption>Andy Marlin</figcaption>
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<p>Here are a few video pieces following Saturday night's game</p> <p>The Cosmos lost their first game of the season on Saturday night, despite dominating possession, shots, chances, and basically every other area a club is capable of dominating. Unfortunately, the highlights from this one won't make for happy viewing despite the generally excellent performance. Understandably, Jimmy Maurer and <span>Hunter Freeman</span> were both a bit disappointed when Michelle Gearrity spoke to them after the game:</p>
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https://www.twiceacosmo.com/2014/4/28/5660814/new-york-cosmos-san-antonio-scorpions-highlights-player-interviewsStephen Schmidt2014-04-27T07:31:13-04:002014-04-27T07:31:13-04:00Cosmos unlucky in first loss at Hofstra
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<figcaption>Andy Marlin</figcaption>
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<p>The San Antonio Scorpions defeated the Cosmos 1-0 to break their 25 game unbeaten streak at Hofstra University</p> <p>The San Antonio Scorpions did something no other NASL club has been able to do in the Cosmos history; hand the Cosmos a loss at James M. Shuart Stadium.</p>
<p>But the Scorpions did just that Saturday night defeating the Cosmos 1-0 in front of a small crowd of 4,130 and ending their 25 game unbeaten streak at Hofstra University. The match's only goal came in the 15th minute after forward <span>Eric Hassli</span> headed a rebound past goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. Danny Barrera took the initial shot after maneuvering through New York's defense.</p>
<p>"It was just tough," Maurer said about the game's only goal. "The guy made a really great playing getting in and then he's one-v-one with me. I was able to make the first safe with my feet, but he hit it hard and I just had to make it with my feet. Unluckily it just went right to Hassli's head. Just a tough one."</p>
<p>The loss also ended a 14 game unbeaten and span of 372 minutes that the Cosmos did not allow their opponents to score a single goal.</p>
<p>Although the Cosmos lost the match, New York had a strong performance. The Cosmos outshot the Scorpions 21-5 and lead in possession 57 percent to 43. Cosmos' Head Coach Giovanni Savarese was pleased with his squads performance after the final whistle had blown, despite the loss.</p>
<p>"We had the most possession, we created a few chances," Savarese said. "... I think the good thing about today I leave this game with a better feeling than I had when we won 4-0, because we played good soccer today. We were very good. We just needed to be a little more aggressive inside the box. I think towards the end we got a little bit into the game and and put balls inside the box.</p>
<p>"But I think if we play this game nine times more the result isn't going to be the same."</p>
<p>The Cosmos aren't dwelling on the loss or the end of the home unbeaten streak. Maurer called the streak a "public media thing."</p>
<p>"We're not worried about streaks, we're worried about the next game," he said. "Day in and day out, getting better, and working as a team. It's a long season for us, so streaks always end. We gotta put the season together and make sure we're as strong as we can be for next game."</p>
<p>New York's next game is next Monday when they host the Carolina Rail Hawks.</p>
https://www.twiceacosmo.com/2014/4/27/5657252/new-york-cosmos-nasl-loss-san-antonio-scorpions-match-reportChristian_Arnold2014-04-26T21:03:50-04:002014-04-26T21:03:50-04:00Cosmos 0 - Scorpions 1: Initial Reaction
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<figcaption>Mike Stobe</figcaption>
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<p>The Cosmos lost their first match of the spring despite dominating the match</p> <p>SOmetimes, it's just not your night. Despite dominating both possession and shots this evening, the Cosmos fell to the San Antonio Scorpions 1-0 at Hofstra, dropping their first match of the 2014 season. The chances were there, but the quality finishes required to win tonight just weren't.</p>
<p>The Cosmos found themselves behind for the first time since last October early in the first half, when Danny Barrera drove through the Cosmos' defense, forcing Jimmy Maurer into a fantastic save. Unfortunately for the Cosmos, the rebound fell onto the head of <span>Eric Hassli</span>, who nodded it home.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, that would be the only goal of the match. The rest of the league can breathe a bit easier now, as the spring table is less likely to end up looking as lopsided as the fall table did.</p>
<p>Thoughts:</p>
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<li><span>The first half was probably the most dominant 45-minute display I've seen from the Cosmos since they returned to the pitch last fall. How ironic is it that they went into the break trailing after absolutely dominating the game.</span></li>
<li><span>For a referee crew that will be representing CONCACAF at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014">World Cup</a>, these guys were awful tonight. </span></li>
<li><span>Jimmy Maurer has been excellent now that the week one jitters have worn off.</span></li>
<li><span>The spacing, defensive pressure, and one-touch movement on display this evening was fantastic. There are top European sides that couldn't haven't looked that good this season.</span></li>
<li><span>Gio has his squad taking some awfully nice set pieces. Even the spacing on throws looks exceptional, which is something you can't often say.</span></li>
<li><span>The I can't wait for Hans Denissen to return to fitness. The role Alessandro Noselli has been playing is perfect for him.</span></li>
<li><span>For all the positives tonight, the Cosmos' finishing was just awful. Mads Stokkelien in particular needs to be better going forward. Maybe there's some sense behind all this Raul talk after all...</span></li>
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https://www.twiceacosmo.com/2014/4/26/5656882/new-york-cosmos-san-antonio-scorpions-final-score-initial-reactionStephen Schmidt2014-04-26T18:16:17-04:002014-04-26T18:16:17-04:00Cosmos vs. Scorpions: Lineups and discussion
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<figcaption>Andy Marlin</figcaption>
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<p>The biggest NASL match of the weekend is about to kickoff. Here are the squads each club will field.</p> <p>The New York Cosmos will be hosting the San Antonio Scorpions tonight in a matchup of two of the premier teams in the NASL. The Cosmos currently top the NASL table, while the Scorpions lost their opener to Minnesota United before defeating Eric Wynalda's Atlanta SIlverbacks. Depending on the other results this weekend, both teams could find themselves atop the league at the end of week three.</p>
<p>Gio Savarese has selected the following squad as he looks to make it three wins from three:</p>
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<p>Here's your NY Cosmos starting lineup for tonight's match against the San Antonio Scorpions! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NYCvSAS&src=hash">#NYCvSAS</a> <a href="http://t.co/aWJy650FMt">pic.twitter.com/aWJy650FMt</a></p>
— NYCosmos Match (@NYCosmos_Match) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCosmos_Match/statuses/460179489540931584">April 26, 2014</a>
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<p>The Scorpions have decided to go with this group tonight, a very different squad than the one that lost twice to the Cosmos last season:</p>
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<p>For the Scorpions: Bingham; Borrajo, James, Cann, Janicki; Menjivar, Restrepo, Soto, DeRoux; Hassli, Barrera.</p>
— Dave Martinez (@EmpireOfSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmpireOfSoccer/statuses/460179886054076416">April 26, 2014</a>
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<p>The Cosmos are currently on a run of 357 minutes in the league without conceding a goal, two minutes short of tying the modern NASL record. That will be just one fun story o follow in what should be a very entertaining match on a cold, wet evening.</p>
https://www.twiceacosmo.com/2014/4/26/5656686/new-york-cosmos-vs-san-antonio-scorpions-confirmed-lineupsStephen Schmidt2014-04-26T08:19:42-04:002014-04-26T08:19:42-04:00Looking at week three of the NASL season
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<p>The Cosmos and Scorpions should be the best matchup of week three, but there are several other good ones to watch</p> <p>The early table is starting to take shape, and with the spring NASL season lasting just nine games, most of the league needs a win today in order to avoid potentially falling out of reach of the spring title already. Only two teams haven't dropped any points thus far, and depending on the week three results, the Cosmos and Minnesota United could turn this into a two-horse race in short order. Here's what we have on tap for week three, as well as national television and streaming coverage:</p>
<h4>Ottawa Fury vs. Carolina RailHawks</h4>
<p>The Fury scored their first goal of the season in week two, but are still looking for their first victory since joining the NASL. They'll be hosting a Carolina team that looked very impressive last week against the Strikers.</p>
<p>As far as the Cosmos are concerned, an Ottawa win or a draw would probably be the best possible outcome. Carolina has done nothing to suggest that they won't be playoff contenders with either of their first two matches, and last week looked like they've found some answers on the offensive end that they didn't have during week one.</p>
<p><b>Date/Time:</b> Saturday, April 26 at 3:00 pm EDT</p>
<p><b>How to watch:</b> NASL Live</p>
<h4>New York Cosmos vs. San Antonio Scorpions</h4>
<p>I'm not sure why ESPN and the NASL didn't make this one their game of the week, as frankly, I don't think you can really find too many matchups of this quality at this level. We did a full preview of this match <a href="http://www.twiceacosmo.com/2014/4/26/5655326/san-antonio-scorpions-new-york-cosmos-preview-squad-news-television-streaming-weather" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p><b>Date/Time: </b>Saturday, April 26 at 7:00pm EDT</p>
<p><b>How to watch:</b> NASL Live, One World Sports</p>
<h4>Fort Lauderdale Strikers vs. Indy Eleven</h4>
<p>Indy didn't look nearly as good against Tampa Bay as they did against the RailHawks, but still managed to escape that match with a draw. This week will see them play their first road match since joining the league, but may provide their best opportunity for a win, as they're facing what appears to be one of the weaker sides the league has to offer.</p>
<p>I don't think Cosmos' fans really have too much to worry about with either of these sides, but Indy looks like the sort of squad that could be much better in the second half, especially if they add to the roster during the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014">World Cup</a> break. A draw or a Strikers win would probably suit the Cosmos well.</p>
<p><b>Date/Time:</b> Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 pm EDT</p>
<p><b>How to watch:</b> NASL Live</p>
<h4>Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Atlanta Silverbacks</h4>
<p>The NASL selected this one as their game of the week, and while the quality is nowhere near what will be on the pitch at Hofstra, it could well be a fun match for the neutral. Tampa Bay feature an unbalanced squad that's among the best in the league going forward, but seemingly shaky at the back, while every adjustment Eric Wynalda has made this season has involved throwing more bodies into the attack. Adding intrigue to this match is the fact that Wynalda spent this week in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/spain">Spain</a>, calling the Champions League semifinal between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. The last time he did that, his side looked exceptionally unorganized en route to a 4-0 loss.</p>
<p>Tampa are a legitimate playoff contender despite their slow start, while not too many people seem to expect anything from Atlanta this season. With that in mind, most New York fans would probably prefer a draw or a Silverbacks win. Regardless of the outcome, however, Wynalda is almost certain to believe his side were superior to the opposition for a third week running.</p>
<p><b>Date/Time:</b> Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 pm EDT</p>
<p><b>How to watch:</b> ESPN3, NASL Live</p>
<h4>Minnesota United vs. FC Edmonton</h4>
<p>Minnesota have gotten off to a terrific start this season. They won their opener against a San Antonio side that played most of the match with ten men, before securing a last kick victory in week two. Week three should be a test though, as they'll be facing an FC Edmonton side looking to keep bodies behind the ball at the expense of their attack.</p>
<p>Minnesota will have one thing working in their favor, as they'll be at home instead of playing on the atrocious Clarke Stadium turf. Cosmos fans will all be hoping that the Eddies can do us a favor and take some points from the Loons.</p>
<p><b>Date/Time:</b> Saturday, April 26 at 8:00pm EDT</p>
<p><b>How to watch:</b> NASL Live</p>
https://www.twiceacosmo.com/2014/4/26/5655356/week-three-of-the-nasl-season-features-several-interesting-matchupsStephen Schmidt2014-04-26T07:39:51-04:002014-04-26T07:39:51-04:00Scorpions vs. Cosmos: Preview and more
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<figcaption>Andy Marlin</figcaption>
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<p>The Cosmos will host one of the most changed squads in the league on Saturday</p> <p>The Cosmos host their second match of the season on Saturday evening, and will do so against a much better opponent than they faced during their first match at Hofstra. While the Atlanta Silverbacks had responded to a difficult fall season by shipping out most of their known commodities in favor of untested youngsters, the Scorpions went shopping for some of the better players in the NASL, as well as looking to MLS for talent. The result is a squad with the potential to be one of the best in the league.</p>
<p>To date, that squad has shown some inconsistency in the final third to go along with excellent supporting numbers. A Julius James red card in the first match of the season meant that they played most of their debut with only ten men, and they were less dominant than most would have expected against an Atlanta side widely viewed to be among the weakest in the league. Still, if results on Saturday go their way, they could actually find themselves topping the table three weeks into the season*.</p>
<p><i>*They'd need a big win over the Cosmos for this to happen, so it's unlikely at best</i></p>
<p>Last season, these clubs met twice, withe the Cosmos winning both home and away. This season should prove a far more difficult task, as the San Antonio midfield that was so poor in both fall meetings may now be the strength of that club. Three points would be huge for either side given the split-season format, and could also prove to be big when looking at the 27-game table for the final two playoff paces at the end of the season.</p>
<p><b>Opponent:</b> San Antonio Scorpions (LW)</p>
<p><b>Date/Time:</b> Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 7:00 pm EDT</p>
<p><b>Venue:</b> Shuart Stadium, Hofstra University</p>
<p><b>Forecast:</b> <a href="http://www.weather.com/weather/today/Hempstead+NY+USNY0644:1:US">In the mid-50s with a chance of some rain</a>. There is no roof over the stands at Hofstra, so pack accordingly.</p>
<p><b>Giveaways:</b> The first 1,500 kids to arrive will receive a <a href="http://www.nycosmos.com/article/uuid/126jgtxpxcx5e1qfy7rpyona57/first-1500-kids-to-receive-mini-championship-pennant-at-home-game-saturday-april-26" target="_blank">championship pennant</a>.</p>
<p><b>Cosmos Squad News:</b> Hans Denissen sound like he'll miss this one with his continued recovery from a knee injury. Other than that, New York seems to be healthy.</p>
<p><b>Scorpions Squad News:</b> Tomasz Zahorski went off injured against Atlanta, and won't be fit to face the Cosmos. Other than that, it's all hands on deck.</p>
<p><b>Television: </b>Like all Cosmos home games, this one can be found on One World Sports.</p>
<p><b>Streaming: </b>NASL Live will stream the game live.</p>
https://www.twiceacosmo.com/2014/4/26/5655326/san-antonio-scorpions-new-york-cosmos-preview-squad-news-television-streaming-weatherStephen Schmidt2014-04-25T20:44:32-04:002014-04-25T20:44:32-04:00Scorpions Player Spotlight: Richard Menjivar
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<figcaption>Mike Zarrilli</figcaption>
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<p>Menjivar switched clubs this past winter, and will be a key player for the Scorpions</p> <p>Richard Menjivar was one of the best players in the NASL last season, earning best XI honors for his performance with the Atlanta Silverbacks. The El Salvador international spent 2012 with Cal FC, a club previously coached by current Silverbacks' manager Eric Wynalda. He joined several of his former teammates in Atlanta for the 2013 season, where he scored a pair of goals in 21 appearances.</p>
<p>This winter, Menjivar spent some time working out with the Portland Timbers before the Scorpions offered him the sort of money he just wasn't going to get in Atlanta. He joined several other top quality players in a new-look Scorpions' midfield, and they've looked pretty good thus far in 2014.</p>
<p>The Scorpions opened their spring season with a loss against Minnesota United before defeating the Silverbacks last week. The midfield has impressed in both of those contests, generally controlling possession even when down a man. Menjivar is a big part of that.</p>
<p>What the Scorpions haven't been doing yet is creating a ton of chances. For all of the talent they've added to the squad, there still seems to be a lack of chemistry in San Antonio. I suppose that's to be expected, as they've only played a few friendlies and two regulars season games together thus far. The talent to be one of the league's best clubs is there, however, and Menjivar is a big part.</p>
<p>San Antonio will need Menjivar to start turning possession into chances this weekend if they hope to leave New York with a victory. As the link between the Scorpions' midfield and attack, he's going to have to find a way to get Eric Hassli the ball in dangerous places. Whether or not the Cosmos are able to frustrate Menjivar on Saturday will be critical if they want to remain atop the table.</p>
https://www.twiceacosmo.com/2014/4/25/5654568/san-antonio-scorpions-player-spotlight-richard-menjivarStephen Schmidt2014-04-25T20:19:44-04:002014-04-25T20:19:44-04:00Cosmos Player Spotlight: Danny Szetela
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<figcaption>Mike Stobe</figcaption>
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<p>Szetela will be a key figure in Saturday's match</p> <p>When the Cosmos take on the San Antonio Scorpions on Saturday, they'll be looking at a very different squad than the one they defeated twice during the 2013 fall season. After watching Hans Denissen defect to the Cosmos this winter, Scorpions' president Howard Cornfield criticized the reigning champions for spending recklessly before going on a spending spree unmatched by the rest of the NASL. Much of that spending focused on adding attack-minded midfielders, and once that unit really starts to click, San Antonio's midfield should be one of the elite units in the league.</p>
<p>On Saturday, the Cosmos are likely to start with a numerical disadvantage in the center of the pitch, meaning that the duo of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110869/marcos-senna">Marcos Senna</a> and Danny Szetela will have to be on their game for the Cosmos to control possession from start to finish. Given the talent that will be on the pitch, that won't be an easy task. Szetela is going to have to read and anticipate the Scorpions' attack, and make good, quick decisions when in possession.</p>
<p>Szetela was one of the biggest surprises of the 2013 campaign, going from something of a wild card on the roster to one of the best players in the league. Through the first two matches of the 2014 season, the Cosmos haven't really faced a club looking to take their time and build possession from the back. Saturday night should give us the first real opportunity we've had this season to see the Cosmos' midfield tested, and if Szetela and Senna replicate their form from 2013, the club will likely remain atop the league table after week three concludes.</p>
https://www.twiceacosmo.com/2014/4/25/5654514/new-york-cosmos-player-spotlight-danny-szetelaStephen Schmidt