The Tampa Bay Rowdies lost to the New York Cosmos 2-1 at James M. Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, New York.

The loss drops the Rowdies to 7th place in the NASL standings (9 points), while launching the defending NASL champs into first place with 15 points.

After an 18th minute goal by forward Tommy Heinemann, the Rowdies looked to be in control the match but the Cosmos scored two of their own to give the home team a 2-1 lead.

The Rowdies goal was initiated by midfielder Kalif Alhassan, who after fighting off a Cosmos defender, placed a crafty through ball to Heinemann. As Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer came off his line, the forward slotted the ball past him to make it 1-0.

The lead would last just over 10 minutes, as the Cosmos would equalize in the 32nd minute. A great series of passes left midfielder Juan Arango alone on goal with only Rowdies goalkeeper Matt Pickens to beat. Unselfishly, the Venezuelan spotted forward Yasmani Duk to his right and laid it off to the Bolivian for him to tap it in.

Moments after the goal, forward Tommy Heinemann was forced off the field due to injury, with forward Danny Mwanga replacing him.

The Cosmos went up 2-1 in the 40th minute, after a goal scored by midfielder Ruben Bover. Arango picked up his second assist of the match with a perfectly placed cross that found an incoming Bover. The substitute volleyed his shot past Pickens from inside the 18-yard box.

The Spanish midfielder came on early in the match after midfielder Niko Kranjcar was forced off the pitch due to injury.

The Rowdies next match is Saturday May 28th at Minnesota United FC.

Scoring Summary
Tampa Bay: Tommy Heinemann - 18th minute (assisted by Kalif Alhassan)
New York: Yasmani Duk - 32nd minute (assisted by Juan Arango)
New York: Ruben Bover - 40th minute (assisted by Juan Arango)

Caution Summary
New York: Carlos Mendes - 36th minute
New York: Ruben Bover - 57th minute
Tampa Bay: Junior Burgos - 84th minute

*Written by the Rowdies PR staff and BHSN