Raul wins another trophy

Raul had announced his retirement from football in March 2014 but in October of that year decided that he would return to professional football with the Cosmos – a decision that bore fruit in the shape of a 22nd trophy of an illustrious career, and the Spanish legend was duly mobbed by his team-mates as the final whistle blew.

Cosmos beat 10-man Ottawa Fury 3-2 to claim the USA second tier title at the Shuart Stadium, their home ground, with a hat-trick from Gaston Cellerino sealing the deal.

“I ” m very happy”, Raul said. “It was my last game in my career”.

“I’m very proud of everything I did”.

“I’m very happy but also a little sad [about saying goodbye on a high]”.

New York Cosmos player Raul Gonzalez celebrates with teammates following their win over the Ottawa Fury for the NASL Championship in Hempstead, New York, November 15, 2015. “I’m thankful for him being here throughout the year as he made the difference many times and scored many goals”, Senna said. In addition, today he didn’t get the goal, but he got the assist. “He’s a player that is a game-changer”. Cellerino’s second goal came two minutes after Ottawa equalized on a goal by Tom Heinemann off a through ball from Andrew Wiedeman.

Heinemann scored his second in injury time but it was of little consolation for Ottawa, who could only watch on as a jubilant Cosmos side celebrated with abandon.

The Fury, who entered with a 12-match unbeaten streak on the road and just one loss in their last 26 outings, were forced to play to the final whistle a man down after Mason Trafford was red carded in the 68th minute for stomping New York’s Danny Szetela. “We played like champions tonight, but didn’t get the result”.

NY 3 Ottawa 2.