The New York Cosmos continue their playoff quest with their third home game in seven days, facing North Carolina FC at MCU Park on Saturday, September 23 at 7:00 pm. Both teams are coming off of draws and are determined to do everything they can to take all three points en route to a postseason berth.

North Carolina is well-equipped for Saturday's trip to Brooklyn:

Goalkeeper: Brian Sylvestre

Leading the NASL in saves (93), Brian Sylvestre knows how to keep his net under lock and key. The shot-stopper has seen the most playing time of any player in the 2017 NASL Regular Season, starting all 26 of his team's games this year.

Sylvestre's claim to fame includes saving 93 of 126 shots. He hasn't conceded more than two goals in a Regular Season game since April 8. In the teams' last meeting on August 26, Sylvestre saved two of four shots, keeping the score at 2-2 in North Carolina. The teams played to the same result on June 10 at MCU Park, with Sylvestre saving five of seven shots.

Close-range efforts may be the key to getting past the keeper on Saturday, as Sylvestre has yet to concede a goal from outside the box in the Fall Season. He is one of two keepers in the NASL with at least three appearances that can make that claim.
 

Defender: Connor Tobin

Connor Tobin is second in the league in clearances (123). His consistency in the back line has been rewarded with the third-most minutes on his team (2,216) and the most of any NCFC defender this year. He has also won 88 of 129 duels and 44 of 70 aerial duels.

The 30-year-old's superb passing ability (84.9% accuracy) plays a vital role in keeping the ball away from the opposition. Last time against the Cosmos, Tobin won five of seven duels, making five clearances to deny New York. He was a key distributor, completing 37 of his 46 passes and linking up with fellow center back, Christian Ibeagha.
 

Midfield: Nazmi Albadawi and Tiyi Shipalane

Two North Carolina midfielders have a record of playing well against the Cosmos. Nazmi Albadawi is second in the NASL in chances created (45), one less than Cosmos midfielder, Emmanuel Ledesma. He also leads his team in shots (54) and has played the most minutes of any outfield player for NCFC (2,339).

Albadawi scored the game-opener against the Cosmos in the teams' last meeting, powering a low, right-footed blast from inside the box into the far post. He tallies three goals and one assist in games against New York.

Tiyi Shipalane's record against the Cosmos also includes three goals, as well as four assists. The 31-year-old won four of his seven duels and both of his tackles in the teams' last meeting. Throughout the game, Shipalane linked up with Steven Miller, receiving passes from the defender as he moved forward down the right wing.

Forward: Renan Gorne

Still the new kid on the block, Renan Gorne has been quick to impress for North Carolina. The 21-year-old Brazil native has scored two goals in his last five appearances for NCFC, both from inside the penalty area. One of these goals was a 90th minute equalizer that robbed the Cosmos of a road win in the teams' last meeting. Taking advantage of a defensive mishap, Gorne was in the right place to tap in from close range. He is also an excellent distributor, completing 92 of his 123 passes so far.

The Cosmos look to complete their homestand with a victory when they face North Carolina FC at MCU Park on Saturday, September 23 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.