Ending a 294 minute scoreless drought for New York Cosmos, former Spanish international Marcos Senna once again converted a game-winning goal as the Cosmos defeated visiting Minnesota United FC, 1-0, earning North American Soccer League Player of the Week recognition for Week 5.
Marcos Senna. Photo By: Stacy Podelski/1495 Sports
Senna curled in a 20-yard shot off a corner kick from teammate Hunter Freeman in 61st minute to snap the Cosmos two-game losing streak and hand the previously unbeaten Minnesota United FC at Hofstra University’s James M. Shuart Stadium on Monday Night Fútbol.
“It was a fantastic feeling to score a goal like that and to do it in such an important moment for us and in front of our home fans was great,” Senna remembers. “But my teammates deserve credit as well because it took a tremendous effort from our entire team to beat a quality team like Minnesota.”
Since Senna joined the club last year, the Cosmos are undefeated when he scores, which includes his game-winner in the NASL Soccer Bowl 2013 against the hosts Atlanta Silverbacks last November.
Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese added on Senna’s game-winner against United: “Marcos is a special player and he showed again what he brings to the table that night. That was a world class goal in a crucial moment for our team.”
Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Senna began his career with Rio Branco Esporte Clube in 1997. After playing for a number of different Brazilian clubs, he moved to the Spanish side Villarreal CF in 2002, where he was recognized as one of the top midfielders in La Liga, Spain’s top league. He helped the team reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2005-06, while gaining the club’s captaincy.
Senna was granted Spanish citizenship in early 2006 and then competed at the FIFA World Cup in Germany. Two years later, he was an integral part of the Spanish team that won the European Championship in Austria and Switzerland (Euro 2008). Senna has made 28 international appearances with the Spanish side and scored one goal.