Image Credit: Jeremías Pérez Artiga
NEW YORK – The New York Cosmos defeated Ottawa Fury FC, 2-1, on Saturday night at James M. Shuart Stadium behind a game-winning goal from winger Hagop Chirishian.
For Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese, Chirishian’s 93rd-minute winner brought back memories of a season ago.
“It was a reminder of last year,” Savarese said after the match. “It takes you back to last year and gives you hope coming into the last part of the season and the post-season.”
Chirishian entered the game in the 89th minute and scored four minutes later to give the Cosmos (5-4-6) a crucial three points to edge closer to securing a place in the postseason. He scored with his thigh from five yards out, off a cross from defender Hunter Freeman.
It was Chirishian’s first league goal for the club, after previously scoring in a U.S. Open Cup match against the Brooklyn Italians.
“There were big defenders in front of me,” said Chirishian. “But I just kept my eye on the ball, and it just landed perfectly on my thigh and that was the only [way] I could’ve put it on goal.”
Forward Tom Heinemann had drawn the game level for Ottawa Fury FC (4-7-4) after Cosmos winger Diomar Díaz’s first half goal. Fury FC defender O’Brian Woodbine sprayed a ball out wide that midfielder Philippe Davies played into the box with his first touch, and Heinemann’s sliding touch found the back of the net in the 58th minute.
Díaz opened his scoring account for the season in the 43rd minute. He connected with midfielder Danny Szetela’s cross to head in from six yards out.
“Gio always tells me to run to the second post,” Díaz said. “Knowing that Szetela always makes those crosses, I was there at the right time and scored the goal.”
Díaz’s performance against Fury FC showcased another element to the Cosmos team.
“He has a different quality,” Savarese said about Díaz. “He can bring something to the game, and having him available is definitely a good thing.”
Both sides had ample scoring chances in a hard-fought match. Ottawa had two goals called back due to being offside.
Fury midfielder Tony Donatelli’s free kick in the fifth minute was headed wide at the far post by defender Omar Jarun. A minute later, forward Oliver found space on the left side, but Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer saved the attempt on goal.
The Cosmos certainly were the more threatening side as the game wore on.
Szetela had a great chance to score after receiving a ball over the top from Freeman in the 63rd minute. However, Fury goalkeeper Romuald Peiser raced off his goal line and made the save with his foot.
Cosmos striker Mads Stokkelien sent a shot over the bar in the 71st minute and substitute forward Hans Denissen had a pair of chances late. One attempt sailed over the goal in the 85th minute, and his second shot was blocked two minutes into stoppage time.
“We have to look at the glass as half full and not half empty,” Savarese said. “The important thing is we found the goal at the end that we needed…With a win today, things become easier.”
The Cosmos will take on league-leading Minnesota United FC on the road next. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. ET on Oct. 18.
