Contributed by Steven Torres
New York Cosmos hosted its first international friendly since 1985 as it defeated German Second Division Bundesliga side FC St. Pauli, 2:1, on Thursday evening at Columbia University’s Rocco B. Commisso Stadium.
The Cosmos got on the board first in the sixth minute of play with a tally from Italian defender Emmanuele Sembroni off an assist from teammate Matt Lewis.
St. Pauli got the equalizer in the 15th minute after Sembroni was whistled for a hand ball inside the 18-yard box resulting in a penalty kick. Tunisian international forward Sami Allagui scored from 12 yards out as it remained leveled going into the intermission.
At halftime, Cosmos chairman Rocco B. Commisso and FC St. Pauli president Oke Gottlich were honored as Adriano Espaillat, the U.S. representative for New York's 13th Congressional, with official proclamations.
In the second half, both teams cleared their benches to get every player some time on the pitch.
With a minute remaining, forward Aly Alberto Hassan, who came into the game in 78th minute, scored the game-winner off U.S. Virgin Islands’ international strikers Aaron Dennis for the 2:1 final.
The Cosmos return to action in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) on June 1st, when it welcomes Hartford City FC at Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale, N.Y. Meanwhile, St. Pauli continues its U.S. tour when it takes on another NPSL side - FC Buffalo on Saturday evening (May 25th).
05.23.2019: New York, N.Y.; Rocco B. Commisso Stadium – Columbia University
NEW YORK COSMOS (USA) – FC ST. PAULI (GER) 2:1 (1:1)
Emmanuele SEMBRONI 6’; Aly Alberto HASSAN 89’ – Sami ALLAGUI 15’ pen
Written by Steven Torres