The New York Cosmos are coming to Brooklyn

Storied New York Soccer Franchise to Kick Off at MCU Park

April 29, 2015 By John Torenli, Sports Editor Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Former Real Madrid legend Raul is now the front man for the New York Cosmos, who will play their first-ever game in Brooklyn Saturday night at Coney Island’s MCU Park. Photos courtesy of New York Cosmos

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I was fortunate enough to watch some of the world’s greatest soccer players – Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto and Giorgio Chinaglia to name just a few – nearly four decades ago during the halcyon days of New York Cosmos soccer.

Back in that summer of 1977, this collection of world-famous players had gathered at what was then called Giants Stadium in New Jersey to bring big-time futbol stateside.

And boy, did they bring it.

They formed a dynasty that helped produced four of the franchise’s five North American Soccer League championships between 1970-84, and epic crowds that had never before been seen at a soccer match within the confines of the U.S.

Reformed in 2010, the new-look Cosmos are eager to reclaim the glory that made them one of this city’s most beloved and storied teams.

And they’ll continue that quest right here in our fair borough Saturday night at Coney Island’s MCU Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones, when they host Ottawa Fury FC as part of their NASL Spring Season schedule.

“This is great for Brooklyn. To use MCU Park to play the game of soccer for the first time,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams on Tuesday as Cosmos players and coaches gathered to publicize the match at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

“Soccer has grown so much in Brooklyn,” added Adams. “On any given Saturday you can go to any neighborhood park and see our young people engaging in the sport. There’s an international appeal in the borough of Brooklyn; 47 percent of Brooklynites speak a language other than English at home. No other sport personifies this diversity and energy more than soccer.”

Joining Adams at the affair were Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese, assistant coach Alecko Eskandarian and, of course, the team’s biggest current star, former Real Madrid legend Raul.

“I grew up and played soccer not too far from here,” said Savarese, who played collegiate soccer at LIU and went on to star for the franchise formerly known as the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. “We’re very excited to be in Brooklyn and play at MCU Park.”

“I’m enjoying my time here in New York with the Cosmos,” added Raul. “Hopefully we continue to have success on the field in Brooklyn and later on, so we can win a championship.”

Following the Cosmos’ matchup with Fury FC, the team’s reserve side, New York Cosmos B, will play their inaugural match in the National Premier Soccer League against the Brooklyn Italians.

“Soccer has grown tremendously in Brooklyn since I’ve been here,” said Brooklyn Italians Vice President Joe Barone, another featured speaker at the press conference. “It’s been a privilege to see it happen.”

The Cosmos (2-0-2) are currently leading the NASL standings through four games on the spring slate, and Saturday’s match will mark the official halfway point of their 10-game schedule.

“Many thanks to the Cosmos for being here. We’re looking forward to having them in Brooklyn on Saturday,” Adams said.

Tickets for Saturday’s historic match are still available, and may be purchased at MCU Park, or by visiting www.brooklyncyclones.com and www.nycosmos.com.

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Saturday’s visit to Brooklyn by the Cosmos will also coincide with the Cyclones’ single-game tickets going on sale at the sparkling 7,500-seat facility by the sea.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, Brooklyn baseball fanatics can pick up ducats to a myriad of special events at the ballpark, including Opening Day against rival Staten Island, Saved by the Bell Night, Salute to Seinfeld Night 2, Back to the Future Jersey Giveaway and more.