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Leave it to the Cosmos of any era...they'll create headlines. Most of the time it's been done by signing a player. That doesn't apply only to big name signings, either. Prior to the MLS combine they scouted Andre Lewis, and signed him between the completion of the combine and the MLS SuperDraft, where he was selected by the Seattle Sounders. I have a strange feeling that they aren't going to be able to pull that coup off again. Once was probably the limit, as MLS will surely take greater care with their (potential) prospects going forward.
Lewis wound up being allowed to join Vancouver Whitecaps FC, before subsequently being sent out on loan by the MLS side. The Cosmos did manage to add an MLS draftee though, working out a deal to bring Jimmy Ockford in on loan. MLS sides loaning player to NASL clubs is nothing new (even if this was a first for the Cosmos), so here are a pair of players who might be worth looking into going forward:
Goalkeeper Joe Willis of DC United - Really only sits the bench and plays mop up for the anointed next in line for the US Men's National Team Bill Hamid. Plus, he has the worlds greatest, picture for the website, or a media guide ever. Joe is probably a good enough goalie to start for some of the teams in the NASL, and has played in the USL with the Richmond Strikers in preseason. With the addition of Kyle Zobeck last week, goalkeeper becomes less of a priority. Still, he's a god player.
Forward Patrick Mullins of NE Revolution - Projected to be the top pick last year until the Philadelphia Union jumped the gun on all the experts saying that U'Con goalie Andrew Blake would be the best coming out of this draft. The Revolution have a lot of talented young players, and Mullins might not get his run in the side like he needs. All these young players don't need to be sitting the bench for a couple years, or playing in the reserve league. In addition, the Cosmos have been looking to add more options to the attack since the 2013 Soccer Bowl concluded.
Let's be honest...development in the US Soccer system is horrible, unless players are willing to go overseas, they don't get any development time. This is a bigger epidemic than just at the top level. Why not use the Cosmos, with their exposure, resources, and coaching to give your players some time at the lower levels. Yes, there isn't a great relationship between the NASL and the MLS at the moment, and certainly not one with the Cosmos and the MLS. Looking into taking some top young players on loan could help remedy that, as well as helping some of the top young talents in the US reach a higher level.