By RYAN TOLMICH

The New York Cosmos appear to be experiencing a bit of a Fall Season hangover, but head coach Giovanni Savarese says it’s time for his team to wake up.

Heading into this weekend, the Cosmos, who were undefeated as Spring Season champions, sit dead last in the NASL Fall Season table with just one point from two games. Despite having a postseason berth assured, Savarese expects better from his team, starting this weekend against Indy Eleven.

“We still put ourselves in a situation in which we want to win the postseason,” Savarese told SBI. “We want to make sure that we are thinking about game by game. We don’t want to be a club that says that, now that we’re in the playoffs, we’re just going to cruise. No, we need to make sure that we keep going.

“We have a responsibility to the fans to win matches. We are working game by game and taking every game seriously because we want to carry good momentum into the semifinals, so it’s very important for us to take every game and respect the opposition that we play.”

Here are some more of Thursday’s NASL news and notes:

ADU ELIGIBLE TO PLAY THIS WEEKEND

Freddy Adu’s Tampa Bay Rowdies debut could come as soon as this weekend.

The Rowdies revealed Wednesday that the club has received Adu’s International Transfer Certificate clearance. As such, Adu will be eligible to play starting with Saturday’s rivalry match with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Al Lang Stadium.

Having signed with the club on July 14, Adu’s debut would serve as a boost to a Rowdies side that currently sits with just three points through three games in the Fall Season following last weekend’s loss to FC Edmonton.

SILVERBACKS STICKING WITH NEW FORMATION

Heading into the Fall Season, Atlanta Silverbacks head coach Gary Smith said his team was in need of major changes. Those changes have come in the form of some new signings and a formational switch.

The addition of players like Kosuke Kimura have allowed Smith to align his side in a less traditional three-at-the-back system, taking advantage of the abilities of defenders Paul Black, Rauwshan Mackenzie and Simon Mensing. Having struggled for goals in the Spring, Smith says the new system is something that will likely be a frequent occurrence, as it was utilized yet again in Wednesday’s loss to league-leading FC Edmonton.

Opening up more space and lending more bodies to the attack, Smith believes the system is just the right one for his current team, even if it is slightly out of character for him.

“It’s not normally a system that I would revert to,” Smith told SBI, “but looking at the personnel I have and trying to get the most out of our players, I just feel we would get a bit more pressure in higher areas of the field.

“We know our short fall and our shortcomings, and we’re working with that, but the shape, it gives us something different to focus on. Is it going to be a regular occurance? I think, in all honesty, it will be a factor in what players are fit, available and in contention to do a job in that sort of system. I’m not sure everyone in our group fits that accordingly. One thing is for sure: we’ve come across a shape and a system that certainly helps and fits, and I think the guys enjoy it.”

STRIKERS ADD CHAMPIONS LEAGUE VETERAN GABRIEL

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers have added some major versatility in the form of a Champions League veteran.

The Strikers announced Thursday that the club has signed midfielder/right back Gabriel Rodrigues dos Santos. The 34-year-old Brazilian, who has one cap for his national team, has previously featured in his home nation as well as Spain’s Malaga CF and Greek club Panathinaikos, the latter of which saw him play in the Champions League.

“I’m pleased that Gabriel has signed with the team because he is one of those players that can really make a difference here,” said Strikers head coach Günter Kronsteiner. “He is a smart player, technically very gifted, and I believe that we will benefit from his quality.”

COSMOS SIGN AYOZE TO EXTENSION

One of the New York Cosmos’ most reliable defenders will not depart the team any time soon.

The New York Cosmos announced Thursday that Spanish defender Ayoze has signed a contract extension with the club, although terms of the deal were undisclosed. Since joining the Cosmos in 2013, the 29-year-old centerback has made 43 appearances, registering two goals and six assists.

“Ever since he arrived in New York, Ayoze has brought quality and versatility to our back line,” Savarese said. “He has great attacking instincts and is also very capable defensively.”

“I’ve enjoyed my time with the Cosmos immensely,” Ayoze added. “My family and I have put down roots in New York, and I want to continue helping this club achieve its goals.”