Cosmos' scoring woes continue in 0-0 draw
Cosmos midfielder Andres Flores reacts after his shot against the Indy Eleven is blocked during the first half of a game at Hofstra University's James M. Shuart Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014. Credit: Brad Penner
So close, yet so far.
The Cosmos again struggled to find the net in their scoreless draw with the Indy Eleven at Shuart Stadium Saturday night.
A possible solution to their scoring problems was sitting only dozens of yards away in a suite in the press box at Shuart Stadium.
Former Spanish international and Real Madrid scoring legend Raul watched the North American Soccer League game from the suite amid speculation that he is negotiating with the club. One source close to Raul said that the two parties are talking. Earlier this season the Cosmos expressed interest in signing the 37-year-old, whose contract with Al Sadd (Qatar) recently expired.
The Cosmos can use all the scoring help they can get as they vie for their second consecutive Soccer Bowl title.
Again they struggled to score at home -- they entered the match with only 11 goals in 15 games at Hofstra.
Before the game, Cosmos fans chanted "Raul, Raul!" as he settled into his seat. Raul was not made available to talk to the media.
The Cosmos endured a frustrating first half as they came close several times, but could not convert. Andres Flores fired a shot wide left in the 11th minute. Two minutes later, the El Salvadoran national team captain penetrated into the penalty area and flipped a shot that defender Kyle Hyland saved off the goal line.
Noticing that Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer was well off his line, Indy forward Charlie Rugg attempted an audacious move in the 22nd minute, sending a 45-yard shot that flew several feet over the goal.
The host's scoring problems continued as Kristian Nicht produced a kick save on Flores in the 51st minute and stopped Ayoze's 19-yard free kick two minutes later.
A clumsy backpass by center back Carlos Mendes almost gifted Indy a goal in the 64th minute as Maurer had trouble handling the ball at the edge of the box. Dylan Mares had an open net but booted his attempt over the goal.
Nicht produced slapped away Marcos Senna's 35-yard free kick with a spectacular save in the 76th minute.
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