Soccer News: New York Cosmos Goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer
The league-leading New York Cosmos conceded just one goal in four April matches, and at the center of that impressive statistic is veteran goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. With three shutouts to start the season, Maurer has been named North American Soccer League (NASL) Player of the Month after receiving the most media votes.
“We have a lot of great players in this league, so this is very exciting for both me and the team,” Maurer said. “It’s a great honor, but I’m staying focused because we still have a long year ahead of us.”
Maurer, 26, has picked up right where he left off last year. The 6-foot-2 goalkeeper, who was a 2014 NASL Best XI selection, played the full 90 minutes in all four of the Cosmos’ matches this April. He conceded just one goal, posted three shutouts, and made 12 saves – several of which came in the dying moments of close matches.
With Maurer’s help, the Cosmos have emerged from a tough early schedule with a league-leading eight points. The team has already played three times on the road, leaving them with a healthy dose of home matches in the coming weeks.
“Jimmy has worked really hard and deserves to be recognized as the Player of the Month,” said Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese.
A native of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Maurer started his professional career in the NASL with the Atlanta Silverbacks in 2011. After leaving Atlanta the following year and moving to Chilean first division side Universidad de Concepción, Maurer signed with the Cosmos in 2013.
The former University of South Carolina standout played in 25 matches last season, helping the Cosmos reach The Championship Semifinals.
The first-place Cosmos host Ottawa Fury FC at Brooklyn’s MCU Park on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET and the match can be seen live on ONE World Sports (U.S.) and Rogers TV (Canada).
