The New York Cosmos made their return to Fort Lauderdale for the first time in 30 years and blanked the Strikers 2-0 at Lockhart Stadium on Saturday night. Both teams played against each other in the North American Soccer League from 1977 until 1983. The Strikers lost the previous meeting during the 2013 regular season back on August 5 to the Cosmos 2-1 at Hofstra University in Long Island.
The last time they met each other for a game in Fort Lauderdale was on May 4, 1983. The 7,653 fans in attendance at Lockhart Stadium was the largest home crowd for the Strikers since they reformed in 2011.
New York(4-3-1) struck early just nine minutes into the game to take a 1-0 lead. Cosmos midfielder Ayoze crossed the ball from the left side to the middle of the field where forward Diomar Diaz put in a header from nine yards away. Ayoze had an assist on first goal in the prior game between both squads last month.
The Cosmos extended their lead to 2-0 in the 33rd minute as midfielder Sebastian Guenzatti fired a powerful shot from the left side from 14 yards out that was saved by Strikers goalie Richard Sanchez. Diaz connected with the loose rebound from 11 yards away with the right foot for his second goal of the game.
Fort Lauderdale(3-3-2) looked like they had cut the margin during the 66th minute. Strikers midfielder Carlos Sanchez received a lead pass and chipped a shot from 17 yards away over the head of Cosmos goalkeeper Kyle Reynish and into the net. However, the sideline referee ruled him offside on the play.
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