While New York Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese downplayed the importance of a victory against the Newtown Pride prior to Tuesday’s encounter, he surely had to be pleased to see what his depleted side could accomplish.

The Cosmos gave the New Britain community a show, putting six on the board in a dominating shutout of the local Newtown Pride during the “Soccer Revolution” charity event.

Ayoze, the team’s first big name signing of the offseason, was denied on a penalty kick in the 29th minute, but made up for his rejection with a free kick goal from 20 yards out to give the Cosmos the 1-0 lead.



New York would take the lead into the half, and add to it in bunches. Guatemalan forward Henry Lopez doubled the lead in the 55th with a finish to the back post. Trialist Alessandro Noselli, who came in as a late game substitute with Danny Szetela, made it 3-0 to the Cosmos in the 70th minute, putting away a Hunter Freeman cross.

Newtown was reduced to 10 men after Diego Orlandi slid in on a studs-up tackle, catching Cosmos forward Stefan Dimitrov. That seemed to lit a fire under the team.

Trialist Edison made the score 4-0 after a combination play with Korey Veeder. Juan Gonzalez added to the scoreline with a chip past the keeper and newcomer Paulo Mendes slotted home the rebound of an Edison free kick to complete the route.

All proceeds from the event go to benefit the Newtown Parent Connection.

The Cosmos head back home to continue training in anticipation of their August 3rd opener against Fort Lauderdale at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium.