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Tuning up for their Fall Season, The Cosmos will travel up to Canada for a friendly match against Valencia CF. This will be the Cosmos first modern-era trip to Saskatchewan as well as their first match against the La Liga side. The friendly will be the first international match in New Mosaic Stadium as well.
.@OchiengCheche spelling SASKATCHEWAN is ESSENTIAL viewing... Plus, WHO thinks Vancouver is the Canadian Capital? ▶️ https://t.co/JRXcNMhZE7 pic.twitter.com/SHFEPweSEO
— New York Cosmos (@NYCosmos) July 20, 2017
Over the last week, the biggest news to come from the Cosmos have been major departures. Walter Restrepo will be leaving to join the Tampa Bay Rowdies, and there have been reports that Amauri will not be returning to the club. As previously mentioned on Twice A Cosmo, Khalif Alhassan has moved on from the club as well. Finally, Jimmy Maurer will be leaving the club on a one-match loan to FC Dallas. He will act as short term cover for Jesse Gonzalez, who is currently at the Gold Cup with the national team.
Cosmos Notebook: Restrepo Departs for Rowdies - https://t.co/wt3RwSZpeN - @jakenutting #NYCosmos #NASL #USL #TampaBayRowdies pic.twitter.com/g2C8eItED3
— EoS (@EmpireOfSoccer) July 20, 2017
BREAKING: #nycosmos send GK Jimmy Maurer to FC Dallas. Maurer will stay with FCD during Gold Cup to cover for J. Gonzalez. Short-term. #DTID
— Jeff Rueter (@jeffrueter) July 19, 2017
Although these departures may be disappointing for fans, this friendly could be an opportunity for players currently on the Cosmos roster to step up. According to reports from Front Row Soccer, Savarese is planning additions that will strengthen the team as well.
From @FrontRowSoccer An impact player is on the way: @NYCosmos to add new midfielder soon, pending visa - https://t.co/7aoZnCiguL #nycosmos
— Michael Lewis (@Soccerwriter) July 20, 2017
"Amauri will no longer be apart of the Cosmos organization" - Gio
— First Team Podcast (@FirstTeamPod) July 20, 2017
For Valencia, this match marks the beginning of their North American tour. The La Liga side is looking for a comeback year after finishing in 12th for two successive seasons. Valencia have added Neto and Simone Zaza to a team that already features the likes of Nani (who is not featured in the squad for the friendly), Ezequiel Garay, Daniel Parejo, and Alvaro Negredo.
Work Hard Play Hard@valenciacf @valenciacf_en #BLU #BoldLikeUs #GoForBold #BeBold #VCFtakeoff #VCFBLU #VCFdespegamos pic.twitter.com/6r6D6hg2FU
— BLU Products (@BLU_Products) July 20, 2017
Good morning @NYCosmos! #VCFonTour2017 pic.twitter.com/LccrSHMzBg
— Valencia CF English (@valenciacf_en) July 20, 2017
This match will be an interesting test for the Cosmos squad. A great performance against the La Liga side could be a statement for New York. However, just like last week’s Manchester United/ La Galaxy match, Saturday has to potential to go very badly for the Cosmos. Ultimately, the performance will be more important that the result itself, and the match will help keep the team’s fitness up before the Fall Season begins. This will be fun.
Good News!
— New York Cosmos (@NYCosmos) July 20, 2017
You'll be able to stream our game against @valenciacf on BeIN Sports Saturday...!
https://t.co/QJA0jFapzR
Kick off for tomorrow’s match is 4pm at New Mosaic Stadium. You can catch it on a live stream from BEIN Sports.