HEMPSTEAD, N.Y (May 22, 2016) – The Tampa Bay Rowdies lost 2-1 to the New York Cosmos at James M. Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, New York.
After an 18th minute goal by forward Tommy Heinemann, the Rowdies looked to be in control of the match but the Cosmos scored two of their own to give the home team a 2-1 lead going into the half. First-half substitute Danny Mwanga had a goal waived off for offside in the dying minutes that would have tied it up for the Rowdies.
The Rowdies goal was initiated by midfielder Kalif Alhassan, who after fighting off a Cosmos defender, placed a crafty through ball to Heinemann. As Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer came off his line, the forward slotted the ball past him to make it 1-0.
The lead lasted just over 10 minutes, as the Cosmos would equalize in the 32nd minute. A great series of passes left midfielder Juan Arango alone on goal with only Rowdies goalkeeper Matt Pickens to beat. Unselfishly, the Venezuelan spotted forward Yasmani Duk to his right and laid it off to the Bolivian for him to tap it in.
Moments after the goal, forward Tommy Heinemann was forced off the field due to injury, with forward Danny Mwanga replacing him.
The Cosmos went up 2-1 in the 40th minute, after a goal scored by midfielder Ruben Bover. Arango picked up his second assist of the match with a perfectly placed cross that found an incoming Bover. The substitute volleyed his shot past Pickens from inside the 18-yard box.
The Spanish midfielder came on early in the match after midfielder Niko Kranjcar was forced off the pitch due to injury.
The Rowdies came out in the second half hunting for the equalizer, knowing that three points would put them close to the top of the table.
Despite controlling the match in the second half, the Rowdies struggled to create any dangerous chances going up against a tough and organized Cosmos defense.
Mwanga nearly leveled the match in the 59th minute but his header was off target after a perfect cross by midfielder Joe Cole.
The Rowdies looked to have tied the game in the 83rd minute, but a controversial offside call denied Mwanga his first goal of the season and the potential equalizer. Cole whipped in a great cross from the left flank, which Mwanga headed past Maurer.
As the 93rd minute rolled around, defender Tamika Mkandawire had one last opportunity off a header but the ball was cleared off the line.
Tampa Bay won’t play at home again until Wednesday, June 1 when they host the USL’s FC Cincinnati in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup third round action. Tickets are free when fans buy a seat for the Rowdies’ June 4 game against Ottawa Fury FC. Tickets are also free for 2016 season ticket holders, but you need to reserve seats by calling (727) 222-2000.
The Rowdies are back in action next Saturday, when they travel to face Minnesota United FC.
Scoring Summary
Tampa Bay: Tommy Heinemann – 18th minute (assisted by Kalif Alhassan)
New York: Yasmani Duk – 32nd minute (assisted by Juan Arango)
New York: Ruben Bover – 40th minute (assisted by Juan Arango)
Caution Summary
New York: Carlos Mendes – 36th minute
New York: Ruben Bover – 57th minute
Tampa Bay: Junior Burgos – 84th minute
Starting Lineups
Rowdies XI (4-2-3-1): GK Matt Pickens; D Darnell King, Tamika Mkandawire (c), Neill Collins, Zac Portillos; M Juan Guerra (Junior Burgos 62′), Joe Cole; M Eric Avila, Kalif Alhassan, Michael Nanchoff (Georgi Hristov 77′); F Tommy Heinemann (Danny Mwanga 39′)
Cosmos XI (4-1-4-1): GK Jimmy Maurer; D Hunter Freeman, Jimmy Ockford, Carlos Mendes (c), Ayoze; M Danny Szetela; M Sebastian Guenzatti, Juan Arango, Yohandry Orozco (David Diosa 87′), Niko Kranjcar (Ruben Bover 4′ (Andres Flores 81′)); F Yasmani Duk
