NYC FC Eliminated From U.S. Open Cup After 1-0 Loss To Cosmos

Danny Szetela scored on a header in the 88th minute to lead the New York Cosmos to a 1-0 victory over New York City FC Wednesday night in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt/U.S. Open Cup at Jack Coffey Field at Fordham University in the Bronx.

NYC FC Eliminated From U.S. Open Cup After 1-0 Loss To Cosmos

As the end of regulation neared, Szetela admitted he was tired and was not about to play a half hour of extra time.

“I looked at the clock. My legs are tired,” the midfielder said. “I’m not going to overtime. The next time the ball gets out wide, I’m always going to make that run that i always make down the middle.”

The Cosmos, who play in the North American Soccer League, eliminated their crosstown rivals for the second consecutive year in the competition and defeated a Major League Soccer team for the third straight year, beating the Red Bulls in 2014.

“We want to be the kings of New York,” Szetela said. “It’s a great feeling.”

While the Cosmos essentially started their regular lineup, NYCFC coach Patrick Vieira was forced to play without some starters due to international play restrictions, and elected to rest others in anticipation of the team’s next match, a home against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

The Cosmos will next host the New England Revolution on June 29 in the Round of 16.

The late winner on Wednesday began on a New York City turnover. Second-half substitute Adam Moffat started the counterattack with a pass to Yohandry Orozco, who sped down the field. Orozco then crossed the ball to Szetela at the right post and the latter headed it home from point-blank range past goalkeeper Eirik Johansen. 

“I just attacked the ball and finished it,” Szetela said.

Hunter Freeman also made a big defensive play in the 73rd minute. After goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer bobbled the ball, City forward Patrick Mullins fired a shot at an empty net that Freeman slid to block.

City’s record has now fallen to 0-5-1 over two years.

Caption: SO KON PO, HONG KONG SAR – FEBRUARY 19: Players of New York Cosmos celebrate after scoring the victory goal during the 2015 Lunar New Year Cup match between South China and the New York Cosmos at Hong Kong Stadium on February 19, 2015 in So Kon Po, Hong Kong. (Photo by Victor Fraile/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena