The New York Cosmos have more soccer lives than, well, anyone. The club, now owned by former Columbia star and Mediacom CEO Rocco Commisso, were one of 11 teams from across the across the United States that announced the formation of a new league, which is rising out of the semi-professional but very successful smaller market National Premier Soccer League. The full name of the league is not 100 pct determined, but it will start with a “Founders Cup” competition from August to November 2019. That competition will lead to a full league schedule in the spring to fall of 2020.
“We are very excited to bring a new brand of community-based soccer to the U.S. market,” said NPSL Chairman Joe Barone, a longtime New York soccer fixture with clubs like the Brooklyn Italians and the Cosmos as well. “Beginning with the Founders Cup, fans will be able to enjoy watching authentic clubs compete with professional players and staff. This new venture will build upon the success and experience of NPSL and its nationwide network of local soccer club members.”
The 11 founding members include ASC San Diego, Cal FC, California United Strikers FC, Chattanooga FC, Detroit City FC, FC Arizona, Miami FC, Miami United FC, Milwaukee Torrent, the Cosmos, and Oakland Roots, and plans are being developed to add additional clubs. They will use professional players but it is unclear yet what level or sanctioning the league will have. For those who don’t know, the NPSL, which has been a mashup of as many as 90 regional soccer clubs, including several in the New York area, has become a viable and cost effective local alternative to pricey professional leagues like MLS and the USL. Small community run teams have been blossoming into very nice local success stories, with these 11 clubs being some of the best.
As far as the Cosmos, the club competed in the NPSL after the North American Soccer League folded, and they have been a driving force in this new entity. Some of their matches were played at Columbia last year, on the field that Commisso has funded, although it is unclear if they will host any matches this year.
Regardless, the Cosmos live and soccer continues to grow, which is great news for all, especially those looking for a little more fun and affordable activities around “The Beautiful Game” this summer!