The New York Cosmos defeated La Liga's Valencia CF 2-0 on Saturday afternoon in the first-ever international soccer exhibition match at New Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Saskatchewan.

 

“It's been fantastic for us to be here,” said Cosmos Head Coach and Sporting Director, Giovanni Savarese. “We're very privileged to have been invited to play in front of this beautiful crowd in this beautiful city.”

 

Pablo Vranjicán kicked off the festivities in the 8th minute, getting on the end of a fantastic cross by Eric Calvillo at the near post. In the 37th minute, Eugene Starikov came close to opening the score, picking up an Emmanuel Ledesma through ball inside the area and beating a defender before sending a chip towards the far post. The ball went off the crossbar, hovering dangerously close to the goal line before being saved by Valencia goalkeeper, Neto.

 

Valencia rarely threatened the Cosmos net, setting up a chance in the last minute of regulation time. Cosmos shot-stopper, Kyle Zobeck, showed he was up to the test, coming off his line and diving at the feet of Simone Zaza to earn a goal kick off the center forward.

 

Zobeck came through again at the top of the second half, blocking a Rafa Mir shot in the 46th minute. The 54th minute brought New York their first goal of the match, as Starikov sent a low pass from the left side of the box towards Calvillo, who trapped the ball before drilling a right-footed shot past Neto. 

 

The action returned to the Cosmos net in the 55th minute, as Zobeck left his line to deny an eager Toni Lato. Six minutes later, New York's shot-stopper was in the air to punch away Mir's cross before it could reach Álvaro Negredo.

 

Zobeck was far from finished with his goalkeeping showcase. In the 64th minute, he sent a dangerous header over the bar, then got his fists to the ensuing corner. New York freshened their defense in the 71st minute, as Calvillo made way for Kobi Moyal. The defensive midfielder, who made his Cosmos debut, did well to intercept, turn and dribble effortlessly past Valencia's defenders.

 

A beautifully-crafted combination in the 77th minute doubled the Cosmos' lead. Ryan Richter found Starikov at the top of the box, and the forward immediately took aim. Neto blocked the initial shot, but was helpless against Ledesma, who got on the end of the rebound to send the ball in. The reigning NASL Champions topped one of La Liga's biggest sides 2-0, leaving Saskatchewan in style.

 

Savarese was pleased with his team's efforts. “I think the guys did very well,” he said. “It's a great result for them to now be confident against Miami.”

 

The Cosmos will kick off the 2017 NASL Fall Season when they host Miami FC at MCU Park on Saturday, July 29 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.