The NYC Kit-League Table (Week 1)

If you're anything like me then soccer gear catches your eye, and in NYC there is a lot of it. So I decided to start keeping track of what I see in order to determine which club's crest is most prominent in my New York. I say "my New York" because I can't be everywhere and frankly I don't have the patience to organize a study that involves every neighborhood in every borough. Seeing as I have a big competitive spirit I felt it only appropriate to put this information into league style tables or standings as we Americans know them. I also wanted to give the table a soccer feel so I decided the most expensive pieces of soccer paraphernalia (Jackets and Jerseys) would be worth 3 points while everything else (Hats, T-shirts, Scarves, etc) would be worth one point. That's the basic idea, but I did add some necessary rules in order to make the information meaningful, fair, and countable.

The first rule is that the article of clothing must have the official crest or logo of the Club or National Team on it. This is in fairness to smaller clubs and leagues I don't follow, because although I would easily a recognize a red United shirt with Rooney's face on it I might not as easily recognize a Red Bull shirt with Rooney's face on it. Another very important rule is that what I wear doesn't count, otherwise USA, Cosmos and Blackburn Rovers would hold the top spots, and clearly that wouldn't tell us anything about NYC and instead we would all know what I wore that week. The third important rule is that when I go to a soccer pub or a live soccer match (both of which I did on Saturday) any shirts seen on the way to the event or at the event don't count. So now that you know how it works I present to you the first weeks' NYC Kit-League table.

I'm not at all surprised that a Mexican team tops our standings, and I'm even less surprised that it's Chivas. Some notable teams that didn't make the table the first week include Real Madrid, Club America and sadly the USMNT. I do expect all three of those teams as well as the big English clubs that haven't made it yet to put a dent in the table before we get to deep into the "season." The fact that NY Cosmos is the only team besides Chivas that I saw more than once speaks to the power of marketing. Believe it or not I'm actually not shocked that Seattle has mad it onto the list already as the only MLS club, I think I see more Seattle gear around New York then anyone except for Red Bull.

I'd also like to address the potential one hit wonders in the table, Celta Vigo, Besiktas, and Blackburn Rovers. Celta Vigo is probably lucky I even recognized their badge as it took me two or three minutes before the clubs name popped into my head. Besiktas counts as a one hit wonder because although they are the 3rd biggest team in Istanbul there just isn't a big Turkish population in the United States. (at least compared to the other countries seen on the list.) Blackburn Rovers come in at a familiar position sitting on a familiar amount of points. One point and the foot of the table. Also allow me to point out that Rovers are only there because I ran into a friend of mine who was wearing his Rovers t-shirt at the time, I almost feel guilty putting my favorite club in for that reason, but rules are rules.

I'm excited to see how these numbers grow as I feel this was a slow week and I didn't get out of Queens as much as I would have liked, but I'm also dreading the day the Mexican National Team plays a game. Until next time put on your favorite teams' shirt and be seen.

Abbott: New York still focus

There was an interesting story on AOL Sporting News today about MLS expansion and while the focus of the story was if Major League Soccer should expand beyond 20 teams, there was talk about the Cosmos and New York City. MLS President Mark Abbott had this to say:

“Our focus right now is the 20th team in New York and we have not yet set a timeline for expansion beyond that, or even (determined) if we’re going to expand beyond that,” 

We have heard this time and time again, but with the challenges of putting a team in New York City, every time a member of the league comes out and states this, fans should breath a little easier. Remember, the harder the challenges, the higher the risk of it falling apart.


The story also includes a comment from Terry Byrne, which was made back in June. 

“On a level of 1 to 10, we’re at a 4 — 10 being in the MLS, a stadium, up and running with an all-singing, all-dancing team. I think we’re just about to hit 4,” Byrne said, adding that he 
expects to significant progress over the next couple of months.

 So if in June we were at Step 4, where do you think we are now?

It should be noted that the story states that the Cosmos have the financial backing to build a stadium. This is important as there are a lot of naysayers out there who question the financial stability of the group.

Fans are losing patience as they want news on the MLS push. Lets just hope that amid this recent silence, legs were in motion and a few more steps climbed. 

Quiet for a while

Well, it has been a while since there has been an update on this site and there are really two reasons for that.

1) My personal life was very full. Between the day job and other things going on, it has been a hectic time. I apologize but hey, everyone needs a little time off - right?

2) There really has been no news as to what is going on with the Cosmos so not much to talk about.

So what does this all mean? There is the old saying that "no news is good news", and that could very well be applied here but anything still remains possible for fans of the Cosmos and NYC Major League Soccer expansion.

The Cosmos do continue to be active in the social media world and hopefully the brain trust is hard at work with the City and Don Garber to get a deal done. If you really think about it, the Cosmos really only have one more promise to fulfill.

- They said they were going to launch a clothing line, and they have
-They said they were going to have "inspirational" matches, and they have

So now, the only thing left is to finalize a team in Major League Soccer, which is of course, the most challenging.

As for the Wilpon Family, they have not said anything about a MLS team in a long time, but they are always mentioned as potential candidates. The question for them is what capacity they will play as every time they have been mentioned, the league Commissioner always adds a drooling comment over their land. Right now the Wilpon Family is in the midst of a baseball season, but as the Mets' season comes to a close (and with no playoffs), you wonder if they will start talking about their soccer ambitions again.

There silence on all fronts is scaring fans and it is understandable, but in this case there is not much to be concerned about. Behind the scenes, there are people hard at work trying to move forward and get a deal done and unless Garber says otherwise, you have to imagine they will do just that.

The only thing fans should be concerned about is that it seems that the 2013 or 2014 looks more and more challenging as the days go on.

Cmon you Mos! Come on Garber! GIT ER DONE!

Curtis Martin interested in MLS

Today, the New York Times' Blog revealed that ex New York Jet Curtis Martin has shown interest in Major League Soccer and was even in Manchester for the Cosmos match on the 5th to speak to the group about involvement. While Martin will not be pushed into a deal, he offered these words. 


“Right now, I’m just interested in learning more about the soccer culture,” he said. “I’ve never really understood the rules, and in my mind, it’s like basketball. I’m learning more, and it’s getting pretty exciting.”


Curtis! If your out there, The Borough Boys will gladly help you learn about the culture! 


Another point of interest here is that once again Citi Field  is being mentioned as a temporary home to a MLS team.

"Nevertheless, Citi Field hosted two international soccer games this summer and Dave Howard, a Mets executive vice president, said the stadium could become a temporary home for a New York-based M.L.S. team. Whether the Mets might be able to seek a larger role, perhaps in the construction of a soccer stadium near Citi Field, is unclear.

“We’ve had good discussions with Don; he’s terrific,” Howard said of Garber. “We share his view that soccer would undoubtedly be successful in Queens.”"

Don Garber continues to focus on New York City and is always quick to state that the Cosmos have competition, but it makes you wonder why he has never mentioned possibly pairing some of those investors together. 

Doesn't take a mathematical genius to figure the equation out.

Cosmos (legacy and current branding) + Wilpons (Temporary venue and interest of soccer in Queens) + Other investors (Capital) = Team in New York City

GIT ER DONE DONNIE! 

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Cosmos disband Cosmos Academy West.

UPDATED


The New York Cosmos have disbanded Cosmos Academy West and apparently it will be engulfed by Major League Soccer outfit Chivas USA.


A statement from the club read:


"It is important for us to continually restructure and reconsider our strategy as we get closer and more focused on our long-term goals and objectives. Unfortunately, in the direction we are headed, Cosmos Academy West will not be able to function or exist given the parameters that a professional soccer team in New York City must follow."


As you can see from this statement, things are moving and getting closer. This had to be done before the Cosmos could enter MLS. This is very good news! 

Reflection of the Paul Scholes Testimonial Day

(Picture Source - New York Cosmos)

New York, NY - Since the start of the revival of the New York Cosmos, there was talk of the Cosmos playing “inspirational” games which would consist of random soccer stars along side of talent from their academy. With that said, it shouldn’t come as a shock when more of these fixtures are played.

If you watched the New York Cosmos vs. Manchester United, then you watched and I quote an “inspirational” team which was outclassed by one of the world’s top teams. However, if you are Cosmos fans and/or possibly the original New York MLS team, you were most likely smiling afterwards.

If you’re going to try and analyze Friday’s performances of both clubs over a testimonial match, then you’re basically wasting your time. The reality is that the result isn’t as significant. Traditionally, a testimonial match pays homage to the player who has spent 10 years with a club.

And on Friday, Paul Scholes was the honoree who was being praised. Not only was he being recognized for his contributions at Manchester United, he went out in style as he blasted a beautiful goal to open up the scoring to give his beloved Red Devils a 1-0 lead.

The Cosmos fans who congregated in abundance (100+) to Legends on Friday afternoon did not let the 6-0 score keep them down. They did not let Marvin Iraheta’s foul in the box get them angry.  

No, the Cosmos fans were in high spirits following the match. For most of the fans in attendance at Legends and most likely for fans who watched at home, there was one moment that sent a chill down their spines.

Seeing the Cosmos emerge from the tunnel as they walked to the pitch at Old Trafford generated a thunderous roar in Legends. A roar that translated to “Holy shit this is real”.  

With that monumental moment fans now excited and singing throughout the match and after the match; they were so hungry for more that the most popular question was “How do I get more involved with the fan movement?”

It’s a tough spot for Cosmos fans right now. Friday’s testimonial wasn’t a horrible match for the club. There isn’t going to be another contest for the Cosmos next week. Fans who are behind the Cosmos have no other choice other to go home and simply wait.

Wait for the news…  let me rephrase that, if there will be a day, where a 6-0 loss would sit in our stomachs all week until the next kick off. So, while this and I loosely stress the word “match” most likely brought in some great revenue and publicity, it also did something else.

For the citizens of Cosmos Country, it increased their desire for a top flight soccer club in New York City. Way into Friday night, many remained and visualized what it would be like if the Cosmos were able to secure a stadium deal in New York City and get join Major League Soccer.

Along with the clinking and chugging of beer, we literally buzzed ourselves into a psychedelic visualization of game day atmosphere, road trips, tifo and the amazing Hudson River Derby we would have against Red Bull New York or the New York Red Bulls, or the Emirates Cup winners.

One has to imagine if this game meant so much more to the front office who are working hard on making a MLS team happen. While this had to be a great moment for Paul Kemsley and Terry Byrne, it might have also made their job a bit tougher, because it made the fans hungrier. 

Brief Conversation with Cosmos PDL Player Marvin Iraheta

New York Cosmos vs. Manchester United

Brief Conversation with Cosmos PDL Player Marvin Iraheta

By: Cesar Diaz

New York, NY- On Friday, August 5, 2011 at 2:30PM EDT on Fox Soccer, the New York Cosmos will become the first American team to ever field a team at Old Trafford when they face England’s legendary Manchester United in the Paul Scholes Testimonial match.

Whenever I see the New York Cosmos and Manchester United together in a sentence, I can’t help but think about how close the Cosmos were close to acquiring Manchester United legendary midfielder George Best back in 1975. Of course the deal fell through but nevertheless, it made for wonderful reading.

New York Cosmos Honorary President Pelé and Director of Soccer Eric Cantona together have assembled a competitive squad consisting of seven Under-23 Cosmos players and 10 former World Cup stars. With players such as Fabio Cannavaro, Brad Friedel, Robbie Keane, and Patrick Vieira to name a few, this Cosmos team maybe able to do something that the MLS All-Stars failed to do against Manchester United and that’s simply score a goal.

To be honest, I had no intention of even writing about this historic match for the simple fact that many publications would. Original plans were to simply hang out with my brothers and sisters from the Borough Boys and watch the contest from Legends NYC (6 West 33rd Street) while pounding a couple of pints of beer.

Temp Venues, Opus and meet the players

The Cosmos Opus looks like a must have for Cosmos collectors 

(Photo taken from www.nycosmos.com)

It has been an active few days in Cosmos Country as the build up to Fridays clash at Old Trafford is producing some interesting news. Terry Byrne spoke recently about a potential temporary stadium solution for the Cosmos while they continue to finalize plans for the long term.


"Discussions with the league are ongoing over the potential for a temporary solution as a two or three year stop-gap."

This is actually a very big development for Cosmos. There is no secret that a stadium will take a few years to build, and if their ambitions are to get started by 2013 or 2014, a temporary stadium solution will need to be in place for a year or two. If the Cosmos can finalize this temporary deal and they then produce a viable long term solution, which seems to already have traction with the city, then the MLS will not need that much more time to make their decision.

Within the city, there are only a few temporary options for the Cosmos. The first is Kraft Field, the home of Columbia football that seats 17K and would be a nice venue for matches. It is accessible via subway as well as Metro North, however parking in the area is limited.

Then there are the two baseball stadiums. Yankee Stadium would be nastalgic being the Cosmos played there back in the day, but if there is going to be a baseball stadium utlized, Citi Field would be the leader as the Wilpons are very interested in soccer in their community, and not to mention, rent could be a nice piece of extra change in their pockets.

It seems that things are moving pretty well in terms of getting a team in New York City but nothing is etched in stone. Until Don Garber says the words, then we all have to keep the fingers crossed. It can be said though, it seems we are closer now than we have ever been.

Festivities have started surrounding the game in Manchester this week, and today the Cosmos announced they will be releasing the Cosmos Opus in late 2012. This looks to be a MUST HAVE for Cosmos fans as it promises to be a fantastic tribute to the clubs legacy.

Finally, you should watch the video the Cosmos posted on their site introducing the members of the Cosmos Academy that are heading over Manchester. Start recognizing a few of these faces because they just might be walking out of the tunnel for first kick should the MLS deal get finalized.

C'mon the Mos

Did Don Garber Slip?

Don Garber had an interesting couple of comments last night.

"It's going to be a process, but I am very confident in time that we will get there," Garber said during halftime of the MLS all-star game. "I do believe that it's not an if, it’s a when we will have a 20th team in New York."

However, The Don quickly corrected himself

"Another team in New York, not necessary the 20th team"

Now, the naysayers will point out that NYC is not the lock for the 20th team and focus on the later comment by Mr. Garber, but lets look at a comment that was said in the recent story with the NJ Star Ledger.

"but we’re very hopeful that we can have a 20th team in New York. Our next expansion team."

So tonight he says that its a matter of time before we have the 20th team in New York, then dismisses it quickly saying not necessarily the 20th team, but yet two days ago he was very hopeful that the league could have a 20th team in NY.

Was this a slip? Did Don Garber let the cat out of the bag, or is NYC really a long way off?