NYCFC - 0
New York Cosmos – 1
Match recap …
New York City FC conceded a late headed goal by Danny Szetela to fall to the New York Cosmos in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup Wednesday night at Fordham University’s Coffey Field.
Szetela latched onto a cross from the right on a quick counter and headed from just inside the six-yard box for the game’s lone goal.
Although NYCFC had the edge in possession, Eirik Johansen was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the first half, pushing aside a shot from 14 yards out by Juan Arango on six minutes and denying Yohandry Orozco nine minutes later.
PHOTOS: NEW YORK CITY FC VS NEW YORK COSMOS
Diego Martinez nearly put NYCFC when his swerving left-footed shot from distance handcuffed Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer, who parried away for a corner kick in the 54th minute.
Two minutes later, Mix Diskerud latched onto a Martinez cross at the back post, but his downward header was wide of the net.
In the 73rd minute, Patrick Mullins beat Maurer to a long ball, but Hunter Freeman did well to clear from the near post for an NYCFC corner.
How they lined up …
With a league tilt against the Philadelphia Union scheduled for Saturday afternoon, Patrick Vieira unveiled an almost completely different lineup from a 3-2 loss to Real Salt Lake on June 2.
Vieira made nine changes to his 4-3-3 with Eirik Johansen starting in net, Diego Martinez, Jefferson Mena and Shannon Gomez joining returning starter Ethan White in the back.
Mix Diskerud was the lone returning starter in the midfield, which also featured Mikey Lopez and Mehdi Ballouchy. Up front, Kwadwo Poku and Khiry Shelton played on the wings, while Patrick Mullins played in the center of the forward three.
Tony Taylor came on in favor of Shelton for Vieira’s first substitution in the 73rd minute. Three minutes from full time, Jason Hernandez replaced Mena in another straight swap. And Jack Harrison came on for Ballouchy in the 90th minute.
Stats and milestones …
- NYCFC hosted their first U.S. Open Cup Match
- Shannon Gomez made his NYCFC debut, starting at right back
- Eirik Johansen made his season debut
What it means …
NYCFC returns to MLS play after the international break to host the Philadelphia Union at Yankee Stadium Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
