Rowdies Legend Mike Connell number 6 was retired. (Image Credit: Tampa Bay Rowdies)
Playing for the first time in almost 30 years, the New York Cosmos and Tampa Bay Rowdies renewed their rivalry. With the match taking place in front of a sellout crowd of 7,032 over at Al Lang Stadium, both clubs fought tooth and nail in their attempts to walk away with a win.
In the first half dominated by the Cosmos, they had a 7-3 shots-on-goal advantage. While it’s a statistic that demonstrates the teams’s ability to attack the net, it also demonstrates their inability to finish. For the second consecutive week, the team appeared lost in the second half.
Seriously, where was the defense in the second half? The only thing positive about the defense this week is that they were able to shutout a Rowdies team who a week ago scored seven goals against the San Antonio Scorpions. For the second consecutive week, Cosmos goalkeeper Kyle Reynish had a solid performance.
Offensively, the Cosmos made a strong case for Rowdies goalkeeper Diego Restrepo nomination for NASL Player of the Week. Save after save, Restrepo thwarted every scoring attempt the Cosmos could muster. Failure to convert their scoring opportunities combined by a disappearing second half defense will hopefully be corrected as the season goes on.
It’s only the second match of the season and with so much football to be played, the Cosmos will have their opportunity to improve. After two matches, the Cosmos remain undefeated with a 1-0-1 record.
Next up will be the Carolina RailHawks who earlier tonight battled the NASL Spring Champions, the Atlanta Silverbacks to a 1-1 draw. Their road match against the RailHawks will take place next Saturday, August 17, 7 pm at WakeMed Soccer Park.
More coverage of tonight’s match to come…
Thought our defense did great. The ball movement from D to midfield was smooth and composed. Long ball was at a minimum which is great, as it shows control. Senna and Nane were great in making the the transition from D to offense, as they kept the team composed, calm and not forcing unnecessary balls. This helped the team move together up field and provide the outside overlap. The area we need to improve was in the final third. Many chances were lost in the final third, which is disappointing after repeated good build ups and ball movement. However, I believe this will come. This is the Cosmos second game and it seemed liked their twentieth as the Rowdies announcer stated. A great show of possession. We just need the Cosmos to start clicking in the final third and produce goals like we should have. A great second game!!
The same announcers who uttered the words, “Kick him in the head”…
LOL, Yeah that was something you don’t hear. His goalie injuries were all cause be his teammates if I remember correctly.
Had a great time at game. Met many coaches and players , thank you hecktor. And
Marcos. Cosmos by far the better team on pitch. Great effort all around ball. Had fun with Tampa crowd. Got a lot of looks wearing cosmos shirt.see you in Carolina. Joe
That’s good to hear!
Just a couple of general questions with respects to the production of the Rowdies games. Is it me or is there an enormous difference in the way the games are captured (and covered)? No need to get into the layout aspect of the stadium, that is a given. I am referring to the overall shots taken of the field. Most of their games, if not all, have a similar discrepancy juxtaposed those filmed for the rest of the league. Can and should the Rowdies solve this issue asap since some of these games are being seen internationally and details like this can send a mix a message with regard to the quality of the league?