Danny Szetela Picks The Right Spots To Get Forward
Danny Szetela made a run into the box from midfield, headed the ball towards goal, and came up with a clutch goal for the New York Cosmos against Miami FC.
“They ruined our home opener so we wanted to ruin theirs,” Szetela told NASL.com.
It’s the type of play the midfielder has perfected for the Cosmos, most notably to the club’s supporters may be his game-winning tally in the 2016 U.S. Open Cup against New York City FC.
Last Saturday, despite Miami creating the majority of scoring chances, Szetela got on the end of Ryan Richter’s cross with a diving header to put the visitors ahead. It was his second straight goal for the club using his head. Szetela has scored seven total times for the Cosmos since 2013.
Miami created 17 chances, taking 24 totals shots, and forced goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer into eight saves, including a stunning double save in the first half. It was Szetela, though, who found the breakthrough in the 58th minute. The goal was the first of the year for the Cosmos, who went two full games without a shot on target.
On his goal, he said: “It’s the same thing I always see – when the ball gets out wide I try to get in the box. Especially with the formation we’re playing I have the freedom to get forward and make runs.
“Once Ryan got the ball – same thing with my other goals – I made a run into the box and Ryan played a great ball and I was free.”
Miami had beaten New York just a week prior, 3-0, as the Cosmos played their home opener at MCU Park in Coney Island. In a quick rematch, New York claimed a 2-0 win after Ayoze converted a late penalty kick. Over the course of the two contests, there certainly was no love lost between the two sides.
“It’s a new rivalry that’s brewing,” Sztela said. “Last year we had the better of them and this year we each won one. I’m looking forward to whenever we play them, it’s always fun.”
The Cosmos next play Jacksonville Armada FC, which has a chance to be the top team in the standings when the club heads to New York on April 22.
After their first win of the season, the defending champions are looking to continue their progress.
“We’re going to continue to grow,” Szetela said. “The thing that’s great about this club is that the players – the leadership we have with the older guys – always stay positive and continue to grow as a team.”
