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This Is Cosmos Country Podcast Concludes New York Cosmos Coverage

Podcast takes a step back citing issues with Cosmos Front Office

By Michael Chiara@michaeljchiara May 25, 2017, 5:43pm EDT

In unfortunate New York Cosmos news, This is Cosmos Country decided to put their coverage of the team to an end. Below in full is the announcement from Luis Hernandez:

You may or may not have noticed how quiet we’ve been over the last few days, not posting anything after the Open Cup loss in Reading, including anything regarding the friendly match in Saudi Arabia.
That’s because we’ve decided to take a step back.
Following a series of events last week, the TICC team discussed a few matters and we decided that, as an entity, TICC will not continue coverage of the club.

We’re still fans of the on-field product: an amazing technical staff in Giovanni Savarese, Alberto Gallego, Luke Sassano, Jack Gaeta. And some of us have gotten to know the players on a personal level and we treasure those interactions.
The time, effort and investment we’ve spent have not come close to breaking even with the loss of sleep and sanity we’ve experienced since we started this project. But, we’ve been rewarded with fantastic interviews with figures from the soccer world and we’ve built some pretty incredible friendships with you all across the country.
Some have felt our coverage is too negative. Maybe they’re right. But, we’ve always tried to paint a fair picture of the club. However, watching three ownership groups and a near fatality of the team gives you a certain perspective. And we definitely stand by it.
Some of us will continue to work on our own endeavors.
By now, you are all familiar with the amazing work done by our photographers Eytan Calderon (@eytcal on Twitter) and Steve Hamlin (@stevehamlin19). Steve has also been a big part of the writing staff alongside Jordan Jacobsen (@USA_SC_Fan) and Rich Gallagher (@Gallagher_Rich). Of course, I must mention Mike Schemmel (@VivaLaShem), whose graphics helped our site take a step up.
And what can I say about Nick? He’s been a tireless part of this podcast since we started it, dabbled in writing, and has had his own unique relationship with the club. His strong opinions, strong accent and weak pronunciation skills will be missed by all. On our last show, he’d stated his plan to leave at the end of the season, so this is just an accelerated timeline for him, which he was open to. His career has taken priority over his time for extra curricular projects.
I also can’t let the efforts of others go unnoticed. Thank you Ant, Leo, and Prez.
I thank every single one of these people for all they gave. With a team this strong, every episode and every write-up was a final.
And lastly, but most importantly, thank you to the readers, listeners and supporters of this project. Without you, there was no reason to go as far as we did. Keep the faith and keep supporting the green and white.
WE LOVE YOU ALL!
– Luis H. (@deltareaper)

Rocco had Barone call @TICCPod guys at 3AM local Saudi time regarding Luis take on Sela.Speechless.Wrong. #NYCosmos https://t.co/ocnTNy9LEq
— Dave Martinez (@DaveMartinezNY) May 25, 2017

According to a report from Empire of Soccer’s Jack Bell, TICC’s closing is due to Front Office pushback related to an EOS article released last week. In the article, Hernandez was critical of the timing of the friendly against Al-Hilal FC, and apparent links of Sela Sport to Cosmos ownership.

Steve Hamlin of TICC tweeting screencaps of today’s Empire of Soccer article, confirming it was one of the reasons the podcast shut down.

@TICCPod Just in case any of you wanted to know one of @TICCPod reasons, @DeltaReaper lays it out to @JackBell at @EmpireOfSoccer. pic.twitter.com/nN2wVHerSs
— Steve Hamlin (@stevehamlin19) May 25, 2017

It’s truly a shame that This is Cosmos Country were pushed away by their Cosmos’ front office. They were one of leaders of coverage of New York Cosmos coverage, and were well respected for their balance of objectivity and love of the Cosmos. This is Cosmos Country will be missed.

@TICCPod Being a sycophant fan isn't love. Love is pointing out the warts. @TICCPod straddled that line with the of a fan and integrity of media.
— Dave Martinez (@DaveMartinezNY) May 25, 2017

Truth. Their value to the #NYCosmos scene will quickly be apparent now that they're gone. May we all be as dedicated and honest as TICC. https://t.co/SLITwIgI3z
— Jake Nutting (@jakenutting) May 25, 2017

I'm overwhelmed by the love and regards you had for the @TICCPod team. Thank you all so, so much.
— Luis Hernandez (@DeltaReaper) May 25, 2017

This Is Cosmos Country Podcast Concludes New York Cosmos Coverage

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