NYC Haiti celebrate winning the 2012 Cosmos Copa NYC final, beating NYC Poland 2-1 at Macombs Dam Park in the Bronx on Saturday, July 28. (image source: christopher dobens)
In the shadow of Yankee Stadium, the soccer game in Macombs Dam Park on Saturday seemed like a contrast in every way to what was going on over in that $1.5 billion baseball diamond. The Yankees, America’s most valuable sports franchise, were getting ready to lose to the Boston Red Sox in front of just under 50,000 people who paid top-dollar for a two-hour rain delay, because those high-priced “athletes” refuse to play in such conditions. In Macombs Dam Park, a sports and recreation area that cost one-tenth of its monstrous neighbor, two teams of amateur athletes had no delay in getting ready for their soccer match. This was the 2012 Cosmos Copa NYC final between NYC Poland and NYC Haiti.
The Cosmos Copa NYC trophy and medals. (image source: christopher dobens)
For those unfamiliar with the Cosmos Copa, it’s an annual amateur adult soccer tournament in which the various ethnic communities around New York City, our nation’s most diverse metropolis, field teams to compete in what can best be described as a mini World Cup. Poland was looking to hoist the trophy for the third year in a row, but the young Haitian side was as confident as they are talented, certain that they would be the ones to capture the tournament’s fourth title.
I had predicted that these two sides would meet in the final, as they were the clear standouts from the group stage. But I figured Poland would win it, and not because my mom was Polish. The Poles have a deep roster, more experience, and more discipline. Haiti have an amazing attack, featuring two Haitian internationals, but I was under the impression that this was all they had. I had never really seen them defend, or even have to defend.
Poland (white) and Haiti (red) battle for a header early in the match. (image source: christopher dobens)
After their 5-1 semifinal win over Bolivia (a game that should have been 10-1), several of the Haitian players were chanting Polska, clearly eager to take on what amounts to the Brazil of the Cosmos Copa. And I noticed they brought that same air of confidence to the pitch at Macombs Dam Park, along with the best showing of Haitian fans to date. Sure, they were still outnumbered by the Polish supporters, who are among the best in the tournament, but the Haitian crowd seemed a little more vocal.
Seven minutes into the match, under threatening skies, the Haitian side declared their intent. Fetching a cross from the left flank, Cosmos Copa sensation Jean-Baptiste Fritzson opened things up with a powerful header. Game on!
Poland was pressuring high and looked well-organized. Coach Mark Kasprowicz had clearly done his homework. But despite applying all the pressure, Poland looked to be the only side feeling it. They were making mistakes – bad passes, sloppy touches – the kind of stuff you rarely see them do. The Haitians, however, played like they had nothing to lose, which is the luxury of the underdogs. And that early goal only fed their confidence, and Poland’s pressure.
Poland (white) on the attack in the first half. (image source: christopher dobens)
Around the 28th minute, Poland drew even when Konrad Plewa fired a shot past the keeper despite being well-marked in the area. The team looked suddenly re-energized, and the Polish fans came to life, launching into several cheers. As halftime came, it remained anyone’s game.
The second half was tense, with both sides intent on taking the lead. And there were ample opportunities at both ends. But nine minutes in, Haiti struck again, albeit in an uncharacteristic fashion. Poland failed to clear the ball from their area, when a Haitian player hammered-in a half-volley to give them a 2-1 advantage.
Soon thereafter the skies opened up. Folks, this was beyond rain. I believe the proper term is “torrential downpour.” And it was relentless, like a monsoon. Cesar Diaz and I hoisted our umbrellas but still got soaked as the heavy drops hit us at an angle. With a good 15 minutes still to go, I finally had to put away my camera as we huddled behind the goal, with Diaz sheltering a few of the drenched ballboys (and thanks to South Bronx United for providing those ballboys!).
Poland (white) get the equalizer from this fine strike by Konrad Plewa. (image source: christopher dobens)
But the action on the pitch remained as hot as ever. Poland were pushing hard for the equalizer, and that often left them exposed at the back. On one such occasion, a Haitian player was brought down in the area, having beat his defender. But the keeper, Marcin Czerwinski, saved the penalty kick to keep Poland in contention.
The penalty also produced a straight red, leaving Poland down a man. As with their semifinal against Bolivia, Haiti should have scored several more goals. They even managed a three-on-one breakaway, only to see the man with the ball poke it right at Czerwinski.
Poland did not go quietly. They had a few free-kicks in the final minutes, which looked like promising opportunities to level things. But none of them produced a threat. And, in hindsight, I have to say that Haiti can certainly defend, as Poland came at them with a number of different attack options but could not find the net.
Haiti (red) on the attack in the second half, moments before scoring their second goal. (image source: christopher dobens)
As the clock wound down, the Haitian fans were on their feet. In fact, I don’t think any of them sat down for the last 10 minutes of the match. And when that final whistle blew, they came storming out of the stands as the players on the pitch erupted with joy.
Diaz and I slogged through the small lake that had formed behind the goal and headed over to the sidelines for the medal ceremony and hoisting of the trophy with Cosmos legend Shep Messing. It had been a thoroughly entertaining match, but all of us were wet and weary at that point. Except for the Haitians. Especially the players. These guys had just given their all for 90 minutes, yet they were still singing, dancing, and running around like mad men. It was downright infectious!
Though a relatively new experience for them, the Poles took the defeat well. They had played a strong game. And, as much as they wanted a three-peat, there didn’t appear to be any bitterness towards their opponent. On the contrary, I think there was a bit of admiration, and certainly plenty of respect. Haiti played well throughout the tournament, and certainly delivered the goods during the final. It was their moment, their day, and their trophy. They earned it, and clearly they enjoyed it.
What would prove to be Haiti’s winning goal sails past the Polish keeper in the 54th minute. (image source: christopher dobens)
In closing, I want to say thank you to all the teams who participated in this year’s tournament, all the way back to the qualifying round. I also want to thank the sponsors: the Cosmopolitan Soccer League, FOSA USA, Kind Snacks, Made Drinks, Powerade, and Quality Physio. My peeps at FOSA USA and Quality Physio deserve a special shout-out, as do the folks at Powerade, who kept me hydrated through some very sweaty days. It was also great to see Mike Schemmel, representing the Borough Boys. Even the refs deserve praise, which is not something you’ll find often on these pages.
As always, it’s been a treat to cover the Cosmos Copa NYC, but this year seemed special. And for that I thank the tireless efforts of the New York Cosmos. It couldn’t have been easy, but they made it look that way.
With the 2012 Cosmos Copa NYC in the books, attention will soon turn to the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League. Will any of this year’s standouts make an appearance on that team? I can think of six who deserve a shot, including a few who are now champions of “the world’s sport in the world’s city!”
The heavy rain didn’t dampen Haiti’s celebration, as they dove into their now classic post-match victory crawl towards the trophy. (image source: christopher dobens)
More photos from the 2012 Cosmo Copa final can be found on Total Footblog’s Facebook page. A few are a bit water-logged but will still give you a good picture of the day.
Congratulations to NYC Haiti, the 2012 Cosmos Copa NYC champions! (image source: christopher dobens)
This story also appears on Total Footblog: The Crossroads of Global Football & American Soccer. It is a soccer blog written by Christopher Dobens that offers a wide range of commentary, from the local pitch to the global stage.