Cosmos Defender Hunter Gorskie Reflects On Memorable 2015 Season

Hunter Gorskie watched The Championship Final unfold from the New York Cosmos bench as an unused substitute, but that didn’t mute his celebration after the final whistle sounded on a 3-2 victory over Ottawa Fury FC at Shuart Stadium.

“My first instinct was just to celebrate with the boys,” Gorskie said. “I thought back to the moments throughout the year. Obviously the end goal is to win a championship.”

It was a memorable season for Gorskie, who logged 1,839 minutes in 24 NASL appearances along the Cosmos’ back line. In the Spring Season he appeared at right back in relief of an injured Hunter Freeman, contributing to an unbeaten, title-winning campaign. In the Fall Season he spelled Rovérsio in the heart of the defense, pairing with captain Carlos Mendes.

Undoubtedly Gorskie’s signature moment this year came in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup against MLS side New York City FC. 

“It was the first time we ever played NYCFC, so that made it sort of historic,” he said.

A favorable result did not look to be in the cards for the Cosmos early on. NYCFC midfielder Kwadwo Poku got his brace in the 57th minute of the match, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead. But Leo Fernandes scored immediately after coming off the bench, and a 90th-minute equalizer from Lucky Mkosana sent the contest into extra time and, eventually, penalty kicks.

“As we went into PKs, I heard the order. They told me I was going sixth,” Gorskie said. “I said to myself, ‘You know what, I’m going sixth, this game is going to come down to me and I’m going to make it.’”

And after an epic five rounds of penalty takers, with saves made on both sides, Gorskie saw his vision become a reality. Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer stopped Shay Facey, setting up Gorskie with a chance to seal the victory. The 24-year-old Stanford product drove his attempt low and right, narrowly past the outstretched hand of Eirik Johansen.

The Cosmos took the first ever East River Derby, and once again the celebration was on for Gorskie at Shuart Stadium.

“I just had positive thinking that the game was going to come down to me, and it just so happened that’s exactly how it ended up,” he said. “It was amazing, and I got to go celebrate with everyone.”

Gorskie also went the full 90 minutes in the Cosmos’ Combined Season title-clinching home triumph over the Tampa Bay Rowdies at the end of October. It was the final regular season game for Cosmos stars Marcos Senna and Raúl, and New York was looking for help to secure home-field advantage throughout The Championship. A 2-0 win, coupled with an Ottawa Fury FC draw earlier in the day, was exactly the sort of ending the Cosmos needed.

“It just so happened that Ottawa tied that day, and we had to win by two goals,” Gorskie said. “I knew it would be pretty special playing at home for The Championship, so that was a good win for us.”

The Cosmos’ historic trip to Cuba in early June provided both Gorskie and his family with another unforgettable experience.

“It was cool that they could come on the trip with me,” he said. “My mom was really looking forward to going to Cuba and was excited. So to be able to provide that opportunity, and then watch her enjoy it there, was pretty special.”

As for offseason plans, Gorskie is ready for a change of pace from the thrilling, at times frenetic, 2015 season.

“I’ve a good friend’s wedding in California, so I’m going to go there,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll go up to Stanford to train at my alma mater, then just spend some time with the family.”