Restrepo and Ayoze return to the Cosmos

The Cosmos made two big siginings earlier today. First, they announced the return of Walter Restrepo.

Restrepo played for the Cosmos in the 2015 season before leaving for the Philadelphia Union and their USL affiliate Bethlehem Steel FC. Restrepo is a dynamic and exciting player who loves to take on defenders. He had a major influence on the 2015 Cosmos attack, making 31 appearances and recording three goals and five assists. The 28 year old winger has plenty of NASL expecience, playing for the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers and the San Antonio Scorpions, winning an NASL best XI appearance with each before joining the Cosmos.

Get excited and check out some of his best moments down below.

Later in the day, The Cosmos announced the return of Ayoze. Initially reported by Radio MARCA Tenerife, the Spanish left-back is returning the Cosmos after his NASL best XI season last campaign. Ayoze has been a stable in the Cosmos defense since their 2013 reboot and is regarded as one of the best defenders in the NASL. In the club’s official press release, he said the following about his return:

Ayoze and Restrepo are will be two key returns for the Cosmos. Both players have played under Savarese and know what it means to be a Cosmo. I don’t know how Gio was able to retain the services of so many of his players after the club’s financial collapse, but he should be applauded for his ability to keep the team together. The biggest question going forward for the Cosmos will be how they replace Juan Arango’s offensive output. Will the club cash out on a premier number nine, or distribute attacking duties between a few players?