They were undefeated coming into the game yet had not won a game. They had not lost a game but were scoring less than a goal a game.They had not given up more than 1 goal a game but had yet to win. All that changed, even getting a goal after going a man down, they had already given one up while a man up in another game. Is this the tipping point they sought from the opening whistle of all games? Doubt it as they had a great many lulls where they yet again, played down to the level of their opponents. This gives reason for optimism that they are tied for the top spot with Detroit CIty on the horizon, the biggest nemesis from last season who kept them from yet another league title.
Yes Sembroni clotheslined an opponent, hit him on the way down, stepped with his left foot at least brushing the players jersey, then fully intentionally put his heel to the players head. No doubt by the man in the middle, he was given a straight red, on the street it is a felony. The player was down for some time, bleeding a lot, the blood vessels on the head are very near to the skin surface. The commentators added that it would also be the force of the impact that may be an issue, I would expect him to get at least a 2 game, maybe 3 games suspension, in a normal length season, 3 should be the minimum. This was totally out of character by Emmanuel, I did not notice the two having issues during the game to that point but he may have been nutmegged just prior, embarassing yes, but this would be such an overreaction should that be the cause. I lost count of how many times the Cosmos front line was called for offsides, with a high press, they lost many chances on goal.
Now for the good, Agoli was as ever a threat on so many occasions, getting 2 assists and sending in numerous crossing balls and getting a yellow card himself. It was a physical game and many received cards. Szetela got away with one taking down a player from behind, but did have a good game. There were a few professional fouls, grabbing shirts, the player as he was goal bound with numbers in their favor. Matty Lewis sent home a great headed ball as the first half came to a close, giving the team a bit of hope and positive vibes going into the half, and a reverse of his team giving up goals late in games. Bledi may very well be back as he has netted in a pair of games straight, but went out with a possible hamstring issue, that had him out for a while in a previous season. The final goal showed the true class of Ansi Agoli, he had a pretty good try on the goal but opted to lay it off to Hassan, just back from the death of his father in Florida. It was clear that deeply affected Aly, I felt the emotion over the internet. He pointed up to the sky with both hands and looked up, I would bet he dedicated the goal to his late father.
New Amsterdam found a gem in goal for the first half, he was up to the task again and again at the ripe old age of 17. He raised his value in a huge way over his half of play, controling the area, snagging crossing, coming off his line. The goal was off a bit of a misdirection by the Cosmos and a well played ball sent in to Lewis who beat his mark to the ball. The coach has a firm to bring US players to Germany, hoping the GK has a passport at just 17 he has a great chance. When fellow St. John's soccer alum, Danny Bedoya came in, the complexion of the game changed and he was fouled left and right, yes they knew full well the impact the Queens porduct is able to make. Zaire Bartley a past Cosmos player had his moments, 'megging their captain, beating another defender as he danced along the endline but stopped by Corke in goal. The best part of their game was the offside trap, they may very well have gotten ten or more whistles in their favor.
Both teams were improved from their first meeting, the Cosmos never trailed in a game until today, it was actually a good thing as in the past they scored first and relented very late. The lessons learned while trailing may prove to be valuable as the season continues.