Cosmos create reserve team that will join the NPSL in 2015

The New York Cosmos announced some huge news on Thursday, confirming the creation of a reserve side that will join the NPSL in 2015. The NPSL is currently the fourth division of the American soccer pyramid, and features several teams in the New York City area.

Eric Stover had the following to say about the Cosmos B side and the reasoning for fielding an NPSL side:

"This is a key step for us in terms of our player development plans. The creation of New York Cosmos B to play in the NPSL provides us with the flexibility and a structured development path for our reserve players to flourish. We see it as a training ground that will not only help develop younger players vying for more first-team action but also help integrate and accelerate the progress of our academy players."

I love the move, as it will definitely improve the quality of the depth players in the squad, and will give some talented youngsters a place to get minutes when the first team is fully fit. It seems to be a very similar partnership to the one between USL Pro and MLS.

The Cosmos will play in the Northeast division, along with the Brooklyn Italians, Greater Lowell United FC, New York Athletic Club, Rhode Island Reds, Seacoast United Mariners, and Seacoast United Phantoms. The schedule will be released at a later date.