‘It is like a dream’ – Raul after Cosmos win

But the defence was caught napping and flat-footed on Cellerino’s opening goal. Richter’s attempted clearance near the centre line bounced off Danny Szetela, and the NY midfielder chased it down, beating Alves to the ball. A few of the Fury players stood still for a moment, thinking the referee would blow the play dead for Alves’ high foot. After getting the ball from the left side, the forward muscled through two Ottawa defenders before popping the ball over goalkeeper Romuald Peiser.

It really was a comedy of defensive errors from a team that became known for its defensive prowess.

Continuing his trend of playing in a more advanced attacking role, Raul nearly helped Cellerino double the lead in the 19th minute. Miraculously, off a cross from Walter Restrepo, Cellerino missed a wide-open goal, firing the ball over the bar. Only three minutes later, Tom Heinemann got behind the Cosmos back line and ripped a shot past Jimmy Maurer to tie the match.

With the Cosmos enjoying a 1-0 lead on a fine individual effort by Cellerino in the eighth minute, Ottawa defender Mason Trafford was red-carded for stomping on Sebastian Guenzatti in the 68th. Restrepo floated in a cross from the right that was headed for the far post. The Argentine striker completed a hat trick, scoring in the 8th, 72nd, and 85th minutes to secure the victory for the Cosmos.

While Heinemann added his second goal in stoppage time, it was a case of too little, too late. Fury clinched the Fall Season Championship earlier this year, and following their 2-1 win over Minnesota last weekend the Canadian club has an opportunity to win the league’s biggest honors in just their second year. It was the first red card Ottawa had received since the opening week of the season.

Last-minute men: The Fury scored eight goals after the 80th minute during the regular season and semifinal, including four game-winners. Though the two clubs have the utmost respect for each other, they were both just as intent on taking home the trophy. Raul has planned to retire after the match. Carly Simons “Nobody does it Better” and Queens “We Are The Champions”.

Raul spent 18 years at Los Blancos between 1992 and 2010, becoming the team’s record appearance holder and second all-time top goalscorer in the process, and the President was quick to pen a heartfelt message to his former charge following the end of his career on Sunday.