Juan Arango is Named NASL Player of the Week
New York Cosmos midfielder Juan Arango is named NASL Player of the Week after leading his side to a 4-0 win against Miami FC. Arango brought his tally to seven assists and 15 goals as the Cosmos head into the NASL playoffs as the number one seed.
NASL Soccer News: The New York Cosmos are hitting their stride with the playoffs in sight, and veteran midfielder Juan Arango is leading the charge. The Venezuelan midfielder has been named North American Soccer League (NASL) Player of the Week after recording a goal and two assists in the club’s 4-0 win over Miami FC on Saturday.
“I’m very happy to be named NASL Player of the Week,” Arango said. “This is, without a doubt, an honor I wouldn’t have been able to achieve without my teammates. We had a great performance against Miami and we will continue working hard to wrap up the season in the best possible way.”
The Cosmos found the back of the net four times in the opening 36 minutes versus the visiting Miami side at Shuart Stadium – Arango was involved in three of the goals.
After fellow Venezuelan international Yohandry Orozco doubled the home side’s lead in the 7th minute, Arango made it 3-0 from a free kick. The 36-year-old midfielder curled the ball past Miami goalkeeper Daniel Vega to score his 15th goal of the season. Arango then found Orozco, who blasted a low shot into the corner of the net from distance in the 36th minute.
Arango has played an integral role in the success of the Cosmos who enter The Championship as the No. 1 seed. The Maracay, Venezuela, native has tallied seven assists along with his 15 goals, and has proved to be lethal in dead-ball situations around the penalty box.
“We are very fortunate to have Juan here with the Cosmos,” said head coach Giovanni Savarese. “Juan’s quality and experience allow him to contribute every game in so many different ways, and his presence helps the team in the midfield and boosts our attack whenever necessary. This is a well-deserved honor for him.”
A veteran of La Liga, Bundesliga, and Mexico’s Liga MX, Arango is Venezuela’s all-time leader in both goals and appearances. He has found the back of the net 23 times for La Vinotinto in 128 appearances.
Arango and the Cosmos take on Minnesota United on Saturday at NSC Stadium in Blaine, Minnesota. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.
Check out the highlights of the match below:
Photo Credit: North American Soccer League
