Football
ESPN staff 9y

New York Cosmos send New York City FC crashing out of the U.S. Open Cup

The New York Cosmos pulled off a major upset by beating New York City FC on penalties after the match finished 2-2 in the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday.

N.Y.C.F.C. looked to have the game settled thanks to two first half goals from Kwadwo Poku, but the Cosmos -- who ply their trade in the North American Soccer League -- retaliated after the break. Leo Fernandes struck in the 65th minute and then Lucky Mkosana netted a goal in the 90th minute, forcing the game into extra time and, ultimately, penalty kicks.

Cosmos keeper Jimmy Maurer was the hero in the shootout, making three saves before Hunter Gorskie bagged the match-winner.

"It's disappointing for sure," NYCFC coach Jason Kreis told the New York Times after the game.

"It's probably most disappointing because you go through 120 minutes. Probably look back at it and think, if we're going to lose, probably best if we'd done it in the first 90 minutes."

In Wednesday's other matches, the Charlotte Independence also produced an upset, downing the New England Revolution 1-0.

Colombian Jorge Herrera scored the only goal of the match in the 55th minute, sending the MLS side crashing out of the competition.

At the StubHub Center, the LA Galaxy romped to a 6-1 home win over PSA Elite.

PSA's Michael Salazar kicked off proceedings with a well-taken goal in the 12th minute, but the Galaxy soon hit their straps, replying with six unanswered goals including a hat-trick from Republic of Ireland international Robbie Keane.

Newly-formed MLS side Orlando City SC were pushed all the way by Charleston Battery.

The ill-disciplined match, in which four penalties were awarded, ended 4-4 after 120 minutes.

Orlando won the ensuing shootout 8-7.

The final three games of the fourth-round of the U.S. Open Cup produced more routine wins for MLS sides. DC United waited until extra time to overcome the dogged Pittsburgh Riverhounds 3-1, the Columbus Crew easily accounted for the Richmond Kickers by the same score-line and at the BBVA Compass Stadium the Houston Dynamo beat the Austin Aztex 2-0.

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