When FC St. Pauli visited Rocco B. Commisso Stadium on Thursday, May 23, it marked the first time the New York Cosmos hosted an international friendly sice 1985 -- a 2-1 loss to Lazio in a rough-and-tumble match. The spirit on display at Commisso Stadium was starkly differentt as well as the result. The Cosmos, rekindling their Cardiac Cosmos nickname of years past, earned a victory in the contest when Aly Alberto Hassan found the back of the net in the 89th minute. Emmanuele Sembroni scored the Cosmos' first goal of the night.

Here's how the night unfolded through images:

Right from the start, the crowd was lively as the teams came out for introductions. 

The festive atmosphere carried into the game as Sembroni opened the scoring in the sixth minute, unfurling another set of smoke from the Cosmos'  supporters. It was the center back's first goal for the club.

The lead for the home side, though, would only last a brief time. After scoring the goal, Sembroni would be called for a handball in the box. FC St. Pauli captain Sami Allagui stepped up to the spot and converted in the 15th minute.

  

From that point on, both sides traded opportunities to grab the lead, while both sets of supporters provided a fantastic backdrop for action on the field. 

In a celebration of two fanbases that share similar ideals, the East River Pirates joined the Five Points to cheer on their sides together.

The Cosmos' ssupporters, though, would have just a little bit more to shout about when Hassan found the back of the net at the death, converting a pass from Aaron Dennis, to earn a victory in the friendly match.

And, of course: No pyro, no party.

 

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