Cosmos play to a scoreless draw with Indy; could they sign Raul?

After yet another disappointing offensive performance at home, about two dozen Cosmos fans demonstrated with green-and-white team flags in front of the press box at Hofstra's Shuart Stadium Saturday night.

They tried to get the attention of Spanish soccer legend Raul, who was a guest of the Cosmos during the team's scoreless draw with the Indy Eleven. Perhaps they also tried to convince the one-time international and Real Madrid striker to sign with the club because the Cosmos need as much offensive help as they can get.

The Cosmos are negotiating with Raul, according to sources, but they have only until Monday's 5 p.m. roster freeze deadline to get his signature on paper for this North American Soccer League season.

"In the end he will put his thoughts together and see what he can do," Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese said.

Raul, 37, who has won UEFA Champions League titles with Real and played in the World Cup, would enhance an anemic attack that has scored 15 times in 12 home games this season.

Needless to say, the players would love to see him join the team.

"I would like to, I would love to," said midfielder Andres Flores, who had two of the hosts' best chances before 6,225 spectators. "That's not my business."

"I hope, but I'm not sure, though," said midfielder Marcos Senna, who has tried to entice his former Spanish National Team teammate to join the team.

"He just got here [Friday]," Senna added. "He just needs more time to get to know us and to get to know the city as well before he makes a good decision as to whether or not he's going to be with us."

The clock is ticking on whether Raul can help the struggling Cosmos retain their Soccer Bowl crown this year.

"It was a pleasure having him at home today. I was talking to him earlier today," Senna said. "Unfortunately, we weren't able to get a goal in and show off and like, 'Hey, this is what we're doing.' "

The Cosmos (10-6-7 combined, 4-4-6 fall season), could have used Raul against last-place Indy (3-17-7, 3-7-4), a team they have played to three draws this season. The game left the Cosmos on the verge of being eliminated in their quest for the fall season title, although they still can clinch a playoff berth.

They dominated and outshot the visitors 17-7 but could not solve goalkeeper Kristian Nicht (seven saves).

"It was a difficult game," Senna said. "All we needed to win was a goal and we were unable to do that."

Flores, who played an outstanding game, did just about everything but score. He almost did in the 13th minute. The El Salvadoran national team captain penetrated into the penalty area and flipped a shot that defender Kyle Hyland saved off the goal line.

"I thought it was in," he said. "I didn't see him in the line. That was a shame for me."

The same might be said about the Cosmos if they can't convince Raul to sign by the deadline.