Celebration. Photo by: Stacy Podelski/1495 Sports
Fight and Heart, those were the main two themes for the New York Cosmos throughout the 2016 Season. In the end it was fight and heart that led the team to its second consecutive North American Soccer League (NASL) Championship and eighth overall on Sunday night in the victory over Indy Eleven.
It wasn’t just any victory, but after 120 minutes of scoreless soccer the teams had to go to penalties to determine a winner, in which the Cosmos were able to secure the victory by a final of 4-2.
The play from both teams was a true test of heart and grit, and there was plenty of tired legs after giving everything they had to bring back a championship.
Netting the penalty shot that would ultimately help New York win the championship was Ryan Richter, who this time last year was on the opposing side of The Championship Final.
“It’s funny how life works,” Richter said. “I didn’t think I’d be here. But here I am, winning a championship with the New York Cosmos.”
Both clubs had great opportunities in regular time as Jairo Arrieta had a great chance for the Cosmos, while Don Smart had one that went off the crossbar.
After being unable to convert during regular time and during the extra frame, the match would be decided in a penalty shootout. The home side was up to the task, converting all four attempts en route to lifting the Soccer Bowl Trophy for the third time in four seasons.
The Cosmos are the first back-to-back NASL champions of the Modern Era and just the second in the league’s history, joining the 1977-78 Cosmos.
1495 Sports is proud to bring the following Videos:
The New York Cosmos Celebrating with the 2016 NASL Championship Trophy:
Featuring Goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer:
Fans are also encouraged to check out the following photo gallery from the game:
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For more information on the New York Cosmos fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: