New York – Hunter Freeman's goal in the 76th minute gave the New York Cosmos a 2-1 victory over Minnesota United FC on Wednesday night at Hofstra Stadium. His shot, into the upper right corner out of the reach of leaping keeper Mitch Hildebrandt, broke a 1-all tie.
Chris Ramirez gave the Loons (2-2-2 in the fall season) a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute, but the home team tied it on Walter Restrepo's goal in the 14th. Ramirez's goal was his fifth in five games.
Hildebrandt finished with eight saves; Jimmy Maurer had two for the Cosmos, who have never lost to United.
The Cosmos (2-1-2) have clinched a spot in the NASL postseason tournament after winning the spring season title.
To make the four-team playoffs, the Loons will either have to win the fall title — they are eight points behind first place Ottawa — or finish among the top two teams, who didn't win a season title, in combined points. They are a point out of a playoff spot in the bunched overall race.
