NASL Final 1972

The 1972 NASL Final was the championship match of the 1972 season. It was played between two teams, the New York Cosmos and the St. Louis Stars. The game took place on August 26, 1972 at Hofstra Stadium in Hempstead, New York.

In an exciting match, the New York Cosmos won with a score of 2–1. This victory made them the champions of the NASL for that year. The event was important because it showed the skill and teamwork of the players and decided who would be the best team in the league for 1972.

Background

St. Louis Stars

The St. Louis Stars earned their place in the playoffs by winning the Southern Division with 69 points. This meant they would have at least one home game in the playoffs. They beat the 1970 champions, the Rochester Lancers, 2–0, in a semifinal game on August 15, 1972, to reach the final.

New York Cosmos

Main article: 1972 New York Cosmos season

The New York Cosmos qualified for the playoffs by winning the Northern Division with 77 points. They also had the most points in the whole league, so they were guaranteed home field advantage in every playoff game. They beat the defending champion Dallas Tornado, 1–0, in a semifinal game on August 19, 1972, to advance to the final.

Game summary

The New York Cosmos scored the first goal early in the game, thanks to Randy Horton. The St. Louis Stars tied the game later, but there was some debate about whether the goal should have counted.

Near the end of the game, the Cosmos were awarded a penalty kick, which they successfully converted. Despite a late push from the Stars, the Cosmos held on to win the championship.