Look At Where We Are, Look At Where We Started

Who would have thought we would be here right now? After almost ceasing operations and releasing all players and staff, The Cosmos are about to begin the 2017 season. Thanks to the vision and financial support of new owner Rocco Commisso, the Cosmos live to see another day. Still being around in of itself is an accomplishment for the Cosmos.

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The Cosmos have been making the most of their new life this offseason. On the field the Boys in Green have been able to retain many key players from their 2016 NASL championship season including Ayoze, Jimmy Maurer, Andres Flores, Danny Szetela, and Carlos Mendes. The club has also been able to bring in a diverse set of quality players, fulfilling Commisso’s vision for the New York Cosmos to be like the city of New York itself, a melting pot cooking up success. With a shorter than usual offseason due to the rebuilding process, the Cosmos traveled to the Dominican Republic and Bermuda, going undefeated over the last month.

The Cosmos have been just as busy in their off the field moves as well. The club finally moved out of Shuart Stadium and into Brooklyn’s MCU Park. Inaria replaced Under Armour as the kit supplier of the Cosmos. Commisso’s dealings in the media industry have vastly payed off as the team secured local broadcasting with MSG and Pix Eleven as well as national coverage on Bein Sports. The club’s visibility has increased massively as Cosmos ads have been spotted on television during and across the subways of New York.

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This Saturday, The Cosmos once again see themselves traveling to the tropics as they begin the quest for the 2017 NASL Championship against Puerto Rico FC. Owned by the New York Knick’s Carmelo Anthony, PRFC’s offseason has been highlighted by their unsuccessful run to the CONCACAF Champions League, as well as almost facing a ban from the PRF related to a coach’s unpaid wages. However, all systems are a go for PRFC as they hope to start their NASL season off with a win.

One thing to especially look out for will be Gio Savarese’s lineup for this match. The Cosmos’ skipper will not have his full Arsenal available, as David Ochieng, Andres Flores, Richard Menjivar, and Irvin Hererra have all been called up for international duty. However in the last few days, Gio has confirmed the signings of trialists Eugene Starikov and Emmanuel Ledesma as well as defender Dejan Jakovic. Below is how I think the Cosmos will line up Saturday, do you agree Cosmos Country?

LineupBuilder.com

You’re not going to want to miss the Cosmos’s season opener against Puerto Rico FC. Kick-off is at 7:30 and will be televised nationally on Bein Sports. Get excited for another great Cosmos season!