Brooklyn FC deliver statement performance in 3-0 win over New York Cosmos
- Tyrese Alleyne-Davis
- Apr 27
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 28
(Hinchliffe Stadium, Paterson, NJ)
Brooklyn FC have a dominant showing against the New York Cosmos with a 3-0 win.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 was no ordinary game for Brooklyn FC men’s team and the New York Cosmos. Both teams are currently in the middle of their inaugural seasons. The New York Cosmos, a club decorated with a rich history featuring names like Pelé, German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer, and the widely popular, flashy, and flamboyant Italian striker Giorgio Chinaglia, had their dominance in the league known as the NASL. The franchise won five championships while laying the foundation for the beginnings of soccer fandom in North America.
The glory days did not last long, as the NASL folded and the Cosmos entered a phase of managerial and financial disarray which led to the disbandment of the club. Ultimately, the Cosmos attempted to bounce back multiple times. However, with one final plan in early 2025, the Cosmos acquired new ownership and were granted a place in the USL League One professional division.
Brooklyn FC entered its inaugural year as the second club under the Brooklyn FC organization umbrella. The club worked tirelessly to build anticipation in and around the Coney Island area to bring energy and life to the men’s side. Brooklyn FC ownership took a bold step in hiring American soccer star and Fulham FC and Everton FC legend Brian McBride as general manager for both the men’s and women’s sides, overseeing all sporting operations.
To set the tone for the culture that the ownership group and McBride envisioned, after a lengthy coaching search they landed on former University of West Virginia and Philadelphia Union MLS NEXT coach Marlon LeBlanc to lead the side in the 2026 USL Championship season.
Coming off a strong performance against Sacramento Republic FC that resulted in a 1-1 draw after Gabriel Alves committed a hard foul in stoppage time leading to a penalty, Brooklyn entered this match with clear attacking intent. Despite the late equalizer in that match, one thing that stood out was the immediate impact of forward Markus Anderson. Brooklyn faced a Cosmos side that had won two of its last five matches and sat eighth in the standings with a 2W-3L-1D record.
Match Venue
Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey
Head Referee
Lauren Aldrich
Brooklyn FC Matchday Squad (4-2-3-1)
Head coach: Marlon LeBlanc
Starting XI
Goalkeeper: #30 Lukas Burns Right Back: #92 Thomas Vancaeyezeele Right Center Back: #4 Rocco Romeo Left Center Back: #3 Gabriel Alcides Alves Left Back: #13 So Nishikawa Right Defensive Midfielder: #86 Taimu Okiyoshi Left Defensive Midfielder: #5 Malik Pinto Right Attacking Midfielder: #95 Abdoulaye Kanté Central Attacking Midfielder: #27 Peter Mangione Left Attacking Midfielder: #24 Callum Frogson Striker: #29 Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. Striker
Substitutions
#35 Markus Anderson #9 Shaan Hundal #6 Vuk Latinovich #7 Tommy McNamara #56 Christopher Olney Jr. #11 Jaden Servania #1 Jackson Lee
First Half
Opening Phase
Brooklyn FC started the match with a high press, trying to disrupt the Cosmos play and in the early going Brooklyn seemed to be the stronger team.
In the 3rd minute mark of the first half the New York Cosmos had the first chance of the match. However, Brooklyn looked very confident early on as they had a few chances near the Cosmos box which were parried by the Cosmos defense. In the 6th mark of the first half of the match Brooklyn FC's right back Vancaeyezeele, applied expertly timed pressure to dispossess the Cosmos and accelerate down the right hand side of the pitch, trying to fire a diagonal ball in past the keeper, but it was blocked by the post. In the 8th minute, Brooklyn FC left center back, Gabriel Alves attempted a pass to teammate Malik Pinto, but the pass had too much speed on it, causing the ball to be edged out for a Cosmos throw in. After Brooklyn battled for control of the ball in the midfield they’re offensive attack would push forward once more in the 10th minute mark. Brooklyn central attacking midfielder Peter Mangione with the goal in his sights, would fire a shot toward the goalkeeper, but the ball would ricochet out for a corner for Brooklyn granting them a set piece which would be the first of the game for either side. In the 12th minute mark Peter Mangione would send a curling ball to So Nishikawa as he dribbled with pace near the left side of the Cosmos box. The play would result in a Brooklyn corner.
Late First Half Breakthrough
After a few chances for both sides the match would be played on even terms for the next 15 minutes, nevertheless, the breakthrough would come for Brooklyn FC in the 35th minute.
Goal 1 (35') Defender Callum Frogson would whip a dangerous cross into the box, where Juan Carlos Obregon would rise above his defender and beat Cosmos third string keeper Boris Del Valle and head the ball from point-blank range.
Goal 2 (39') Brooklyn would double their advantage in the 39th minute, Gabriel Alves would pick up a clearance outside the box and strike the ball off the hands of a diving Del Valle.
Goal 3 (43') Just before halftime, Brooklyn would put the match out of reach. Peter Mangione would find Kante outside the area, and he would fire his shot past a dumbfounded Del Valle.
Second Half
Control Phase
Brooklyn FC maintained their structure with a 3 goal lead, limiting Cosmos progression through midfield. Pinto and Okiyoshi continued to win second balls and disrupt transitions. The Brooklyn midfield would dictate the play, and control the second half of the match. While both sides had some good chances, the game would end with a three goal victory for Brooklyn FC.
Impact Substitution
Markus Anderson entered the match in the 65th minute for Kante and added a new attacking dynamic. His pace stretched the back line and open central channels.
Conclusion
Brooklyn FC’s performance was defined by structure, discipline, and execution. Their high press disrupted the Cosmos from the opening whistle. Their midfield controlled the tempo, and their attacking unit capitalized on key moments.
This was not just a win built on isolated chances. It was a complete performance built on identity. From defensive organization to attacking efficiency, Brooklyn dictated every phase of the match.
For Marlon LeBlanc and his squad, this result signals more than three points. It reflects a team beginning to understand how to impose itself within the USL Championship. If Brooklyn FC continues to play with this level of cohesion and intent, this performance will not stand alone. It will become the standard.
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