'Relaxed' Greater Lowell looks to bag valuable three points against Cosmos B

First place versus third place, best offense versus best defense showdown in the National Premier Soccer League this Saturday as a "relaxed" Greater Lowell United FC takes on a driven New York Cosmos B in quest of a well needed three points. 

Greater Lowell United FC visits New York Cosmos B for one of the most thrilling match-up of the Atlantic Conference this season on Saturday at 4 p.m. at James M. Stuart Stadium. 

Cosmos B is the number one seed team in their conference at the moment and the reigning NPSL champions. However Greater Lowell is not intimidated by the New York's team.

Greater Lowell United FC midfielder Quincy Appah. Greater Lowell
United FC Images

"I am relaxed," GLUFC midfielder Quincy Appah said about the upcoming fixture, "and very excited as well.

"It is obvious they are one of the best teams in the league and it is going to be a tough game but that is all soccer is about, challenge. I have spoken to my teammates and I believe they are all relaxed and looking forward to having a good game."

Hayden Barbosa's men face Brooklyn Italians the day before they play Cosmos' second team, which makes their goal of defeating the champ even more challenging. But if you look at what those three points can do for them, playing a full 90 on sore legs is totally worth it.

Greater Lowell is seven points shy off second place, the last playoff position, with a game in hand. Coach Barbosa spread the idea that because his team is fighting for the last playoff spot, his side is the hungriest team in the league.

"We want those points more than anyone else," the GLUFC coach said.

Greater Lowell couldn't ask for a bumpier road to the playoffs than what they have now, after playing the league toppers they have two straight games against second placed Boston City FC-- the team they want to steal the last playoff spot from.

Greater Lowell United FC during their game against Kingston Stockdale
on May 8th. Greater Lowell United FC Images

Appah shared that his team's plan to approach this bumpy road is to stay tranquil and take it bump by bump. "We are excited to be in the position we are in now with a playoff spot up for grabs," the 26-year-old said.

"The team is calm and we will want to take it game after game. Beating the number one seed in the conference as well as last year's champions will be great and will definitely be a huge boost for us in our quest for a playoff spot."

Hard to stay "calm" when Cosmos B is the highest scoring team in all of the 13 conferences of the NPSL. Barbosa admits Cosmos B's tremendous scoring capability, but he's assured that they will not get pass his defense at ease.

"They're [Cosmos B] certainly a consistent team in the goal scoring department," the coach said. 

"However, given our record of conceding only 17 goals so far this season [the best in the league], also considering the fact that the last time we faced them they only scored one goal on us in the run of play, the other was a bogus hand ball call in the box. That said, I'm confident they will not score on us easily."

  New York Cosmos forward Ivan Berterame [in the middle]. Ivan Berterame
Twitter Images 

One of the men behind Cosmos B's goal machine is number nine Ivan Berterame. The forward tallied seven goals in nine games, including a goal against Greater Lowell the last time they met. He's well aware of GLUFC having the best defense in the conference hence he's arduously preparing for the match. 

"They play hard, also have a good defense, it's going to be a close match. I'm working hard to be 100% for the game, we'll see how it goes [if I will score or not] this Saturday."


Keep an Eye on Stats

• New York Cosmos B has conceded at least one goal in their last eight games but are still the best defensive team in the Atlantic Conference alongside Greater Lowell United FC, conceding 17 goals.
• Cosmos B outscored Greater Lowell 10-2 in their last three meetings. 
• Cosmos B scored at least three goals in their last three games.

New York Cosmos B vs Greater Lowell United FC Stats

New York Cosmos B

Record: 10-2-1

Goals scored: 39

Goals conceded: 17

Form: W W W L W

Greater Lowell United FC

Record: 5-3-4

Goals scored: 22

Goals conceded: 17

Form: W W T W L

Players to watch

Cosmos B

Ivan Berterama scored seven goals in nine games for his club.

Greater Lowell

Defender Patrick Hamilton played every single games for GLUFC so far this season.

Last Meeting

5-4-16: Greater Lowell United FC 1-2 New York Cosmos B

Additional Note: New York Cosmos B Coach Fernando Barboto quote.

"We will work as usual. We have scored a lot of goals this season and I think our work is paying off. We are confident in our hard work every training session. We are confident that it will pay dividends in the end."