Spokane Velocity achieve third victory in six days
Mar. 21—The Spokane Velocity scored three first-period goals and prevented a second-half rally in a 3-1 victory against expansion club New York Cosmos at ONE Spokane Stadium on Saturday. Spokane's third win in six days didn't come easy — at first.
Heavy pressure from New York forced the Velocity to play on its back foot for much of the first period. New York and Spokane continued to trade possession as neither team could find any sort of scoring opportunity. Spokane's attack finally broke through New York's defense when Jack Denton, who got his first start with Lucky Opara and Bryce Meredith out due to injury, converted his first goal in the 25th minute.
Neco Brett passed to Shavon John-Brown. John-Brown connected with Simon Fitch, who tapped the ball to Denton in the middle of a crowded penalty area. And Denton banged the shot home as he fought off multiple defenders.
Momentum quickly swung Spokane's way as it finished the half outshooting New York 7-1, and with 54% possession. In the 31st minute, Brett nearly scored with defenders around him, but was unable to gain enough control of the ball, and New York keeper Tristan Stephani scooped it. Seven minutes later though, Luis Gil lobbed a pass to a running Brett in the penalty box.
Stephani sprinted out of his goal to make the save, but fouled Brett in the process. Gil converted the penalty kick to double Spokane's advantage for his first goal. It was also Gil's 100th USL League One appearance.