New York Cosmos part ways with international forward

On Friday, the New York Cosmos surprised many fans when they announced a roster move. The club announced on their website that they've agreed to part ways with center forward Mads Stokkelien, with the two sides terminating his contract by mutual consent.

Stokkelien signed with the club ahead of the 2014 season, and quickly won the starting center forward role, at least in part due to the injury issues suffered by Hans Denissen. While the striker wasn't bad by any stretch during the 2014 campaign, his finishing wasn't as good as most fans would have hoped, and Gio Savarese made several moves during the offseason to add competition to the squad.

One of those players, Lucky Mkosana, has been excellent this season, while youngster Haji Wright has seen a larger role of late as well. Combined with the rumors of Savarese having interest in an international forward, that left Stokkelien, and his valuable international roster slot, in a vulnerable position.

The move leaves the boys in green with two open international slots, at least one of which will probably be filled in the coming days. Hopefully, Stokkelien latches on somewhere else soon, and sees more time on the pitch than he has this season.

Thanks again for those goals against the Red Bulls, Mads...