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? 

Garber again on the state of NY expansion

Don Garber spoke this week with the NJ Star Ledger and was asked again about possible expansion in the NYC area:

"The Red Bulls have a very European focus to how they do business and believe a rivalry will be good for them rather than viewing it as competition. And they’re working with us to move that process along. We’ve got a lot of work to do to get a stadium done. We’re working closely with Mayor Bloomberg’s office, the City of New York and potential investors, but we’re very hopeful that we can have a 20th team in New York. Our next expansion team."

As promising at it sounds, it seems to be the same generic answers Garber gives anytime the same question is asked. Perhaps this time however, the news of actually "working" with the City of New York and Bloomberg could signal steps have been made in the right direction.

CONGRATS TO NYC POLAND!

NYC POLAND HAS REPEATED AS COSMOS COPA (COPA NYC) CHAMPIONS! THE BOROUGH BOYS SEND THEIR CONGRATS OUT TO THEM!

We would also like to congratulate Senegal on a great tournament as well as all other teams for putting on a memorable tournament.

The Cosmos Copa is a true celebration of both soccer and the diversity of New York City. Fans celebrated their heritages and teams in a peaceful manner making the event that much more enjoyable.

A special thanks to Spencer Dormitzer and Chris Noble for all the hard work they put in organizing this event. It is now a constant in our soccer calendar.

Here are some shots of NYC Poland's glorious weekend:

Cosmos vs. Manchester United Viewing

COME WATCH THE COSMOS vs. 

MANCHESTER UNTIED

Legends Sports Bar NYC, 

6 West 33rd Street 

(Few doors down from Jack Demseys)

Game Starts at 2:30 but show up early!

Roster for Manchester United vs Cosmos game announced

The New York Cosmos have announced their roster for Paul Scholes' testimonial match. As promised the team will consist of a mix between Cosmos academy and U-23 players and big name stars. Among the stars will be, Robbie Keane, Nicky Butt, Fabio Cannavaro, and American favorites Brian McBride and Brad Freidel.
Click here for the full roster.

Cosmic Blackout Thoughts

By: Cesar Diaz

Time after time, I’m asked to share  my opinion of whether the New York Cosmos will ever join Major League Soccer. And time after time, I point out the good that the Cosmos organization has done since they announced their return.

Cosmos Copa, two Cosmos Academies, the PDL team, their ongoing discussions with Major League Soccer, and the hard work the Staff puts forth in making their events a success are the things I routinely point out. From my interaction with their fans, many have spoken highly of their interaction with the organization.

Nick Laveglia, President of the Borough Boys and co-founder of 5 Points Press has interacted with Cosmos Chairman and CEO Paul Kemsley numerous times and this is his take, "Every interaction with Mr. Kemsley has been fantastic. He treats the fans with respect and like family. You can tell he is as passionate about game of soccer as the fans are.”

Wednesday night marked the 34th Anniversary of the New York City Blackout of 1977. In the midst of the city-wide looting, rioting, and arson, legendary Brazilian soccer player Carlos Alberto arrived to the city to join the New York Cosmos so he can join fellow Brazilian teammate Pelé.

Thirty-four years later, the New York Cosmos and Umbro hosted a “Blackout Launch Event” at Reed Space (151 Orchard St) where they acknowledged both the significance of 1977’s blackout and the arrival of Carlos Alberto by unveiling their new line of “New York Cosmos Blackout Collection.”

In the middle of the festivities… it hit me. Whether you agree with the marketing campaigns of the New York Cosmos or not, at the end of the day, the New York Cosmos are once again relevant in American Soccer. They’ve been clear about their intentions of wanting to become the 20th team in MLS.

In less than a year, they’ve been able to simultaneously entertain us while making us cringe with some of their decisions and action. But when it’s said and done, are we or are we not talking about the New York Cosmos? Are we or are we not wearing their clothing line in support? Are we or we not following the Cosmos Copa, their Cosmos academies & PDL team, and any news they provide us?

Whether or not you support the Cosmos organization, you’re talking about the New York Cosmos… you know it and I know it! I don’t know about you but I’m enjoying this roller coaster ride! If and when they return, I’m simply enjoying the moment and the experience of following this historical American Soccer Club.

If the Cosmos didn’t announce their return last summer, do you believe that 5 Points Press would have existed? Would the friendly rivalry with Red Bulls supporters club the Viking Army (they’re cool) have ever existed? Would I have interviewed Wayland Moore, Dr. John L. Xethalis, Mario Ramos, and Horras Porras? Don’t know who they are? Look them up…

Since the New York Cosmos have yet to be part of Major League Soccer, I’m going to break the fourth wall and simply level with you of my opinion of the New York Cosmos and Paul Kemsley. While many report about the New York Cosmos, I’ve actually been covering the New York Cosmos since Pelé’s announcement last summer.

I definitely have the team support of 5 Points Press and my articles to backup my statement. I’ve been to their office numerous times so I don’t need an exclusive interview with PK, Terry, Joe, or Gio to boost my readership while validating myself as a player within the Press.

For one moment, this laborer of words is going to be a fan and simply tell you:

Fuck It! I’ve seen enough from the New York Cosmos to be convinced… I support PK and the entire New York Cosmos Staff!

More merchandise but less to worry about

On Wednesday night, the New York Cosmos will host an event introducing their “Cosmos Blackout Collection.” Without a shadow of a doubt there will be many critics out there who say that this is another example of how the Cosmos organization is only interested in selling merchandise rather than soccer.

In addition, there will also be a good number of Cosmos supporters who will be frustrated because there hasn’t been any substantial news on a stadium plan or MLS entry and yet more clothing lines are being launched.

In the past, we have publicly stated how fans are concerned about motives of an organization that holds our team’s history in their hands. For those of you who are unaware, we have met with the Cosmos front office on a monthly basis. During these sessions, we have expressed concerns you the fans might have.

Being fans ourselves, we understand your concerns. I wanted to take a moment to express to you that Wednesday’s night event is nothing to get upset over. We get it… the endless amount of merchandising and advertising without an actual MLS team is getting a bit tiresome.

Please understand that in soccer as it always has been historically is nevertheless a business. What we have here is a case of a marketing team that is doing their job in creating an awareness and interest to both fans and businesses alike. You don’t have to agree with these comments but in order for the Cosmos to return, awareness needs to be illuminated for MLS, NYC Politicians and investors can see the potential of bringing our team back.

5 POINTS PRESS: COSMOS COPA PREVIEW

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