New York Cosmos in Cuba: Team Visits Old Havana After Defeating the Cuban National Team in Friendly [Pic]
It was a historic match between the New York Cosmos and the Cuban national team.
The Cosmos goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer admitted to being a little emotional, especially during the playing of the National Anthem, according to The Guardian.
The match between Cuba and the Cosmos was the first time a U.S. professional soccer team has played in Cuba since 1978.
With damaged relations for over 50 years, Cuba and the U.S. were reunited by soccer Tuesday. The Cosmos ended up on the winning side of the match with a 4-1 victory.
"I'm not big into politics and everything," Maurer said. "Everyone knows how the situation has been. A simple thing like that, people cheering, it gets a little emotional. It was a great moment and an honor to be a part of."
Even with emotions running high, the Cosmos knew they still had a match to play. The team came out with a hot first half scoring all four goals, including three in just 10 minutes.
An estimated 18,000 fans were entertained by the two teams, despite most of the match being played in rain.
Cosmos forward Lucky Mksona scored two goals in the match and really enjoyed the environment in the stadium, ABC News reported.
"I felt like the atmosphere from the fans was phenomenal," he said. "Everyone was just trying to support us wherever we went and I think that was big for us today."
The Cosmos really enjoyed their time in Cuba and said they would like to come back in the future.
"I would love to come back," Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese said. "We are leaving with a great taste with the hospitality."
After the match ended, the Cosmos team walked into the stands and saluted the crowd.
"We realized the importance of the match," Maurer said. "We wanted to say thanks to everyone and applaud them for coming out and being this symbolic thing what it was today."
Before heading back to the U.S., the Cosmos took a walk through Old Havana. They stopped at El Patio restaurant which attracted fans seeking autographs and a chance to meet the team, Cuba Headlines reported.
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