Contributed by Steven Torres
New York Cosmos advanced to 2019 NPSL’s (National Premier Soccer League) National Championship Final after a 2:0 win over visiting ASC San Diego in the semifinal at Uniondale’s Mitchel Athletic Complex on Saturday evening.
Cosmos will host the defending NPSL champion Miami FC next Saturday, August 3, at 7 pm. Miami advanced after topping SC Cleveland 4:1, in the other NPSL semifinal.
After a scoreless first half in Uniondale, the Cosmos got on the board with a tally from Colombian midfielder David Diosa in 53rd minute off an assist from Mexican midfielder Ricardo Bocanegra.
Salvadorian international midfielder Junior Burgos made it 2:0 in 76th via a penalty kick goal.
The Cosmos’ victory was also the first against a club from San Diego since August 15, 1984 during the NASL regular season, when Paraguayan international Roberto Cabañas and U.S. international Steve Moyers scored for hosts in a 2:0 win over San Diego Sockers at Giants Stadium.
NPSL National Semifinals
07.27.2019: Uniondale, N.Y.; Mitchel Athletic Complex
NEW YORK COSMOS – ASC SAN DIEGO 2:0 (0:0)
David DIOSA 53’; Junior BURGOS 76’
NY Cosmos: Paul Blanchette – Pedo Galvao, Matt Lewis (90: Garrett Halfhill), Emmanuele Sembroni, Ansi Agolli, Darwin Espinal (71: Bljedi Bardic), Danny Szetela, Junior Burgos (86: Giuseppe Barone), David Diosa (83: Kevin Venegas), Ricardo Bocanegra (78: Salvatore Barone), Issac Acuna. Booked: none
Coach: Carlos MENDES
ASC San Diego: Jean Antoine - Eder Arreola (88: Alexis Velela), Dallin Cutler, Sergio Enriquez, Evans Frimpong (64: Ewout Gouw), Michael Kafari, Felipe Liborio, Ozzie Ramos (63: Elijah Rice), Khadim Seye, Anthony Virgara (88: Michael Semenza), Jakub Waligorski. Booked Arreola 63’
Coach: Jeffrey KORYTOSKI
Written by Steven Torres