The New York Cosmos are ready for their fourth attempt at Open Cup glory. Will this be the year they finally move past the Round of 16?
Say what you will about the New York Cosmos, they definitely have style. Arguably the most historic club in American soccer history, this reboot edition of the Cosmos brings with it no shortage of drama. In its beginning, the club publicly stated its goals to push the status quo and become the top American club, despite not playing in Major League Soccer.
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While the Cosmos have dominated Division 2, winning the league title in three of their four seasons, the US Open Cup stands as their only outlet for international competition. It also is the only time they meet their MLS neighbors in meaningful competition. The New York side has rostered international standouts, Marcos Senna, Juan Arango, and Raul along with a slew of former MLS veterans, up and coming US National Team players, and lesser-known international players in their short history, but a deep cup runs continues to elude them.
The Cosmos’ lofty ambitions caught up to them as well. Following another cup exit, the Cosmos tested their depth for the remainder of the 2017 season as the club brought in few replacements for players who had been sold or injured. Staff was furloughed, budget cuts reigned supreme, and following their third title it looked like the club would once again fold. In the eleventh hour, billionaire soccer fan, Rocco B Commisso purchased the club to ensure they stayed on the field.
The Cosmos vs MLS talks have since subsided, as Commisso has taken a more pragmatic approach, more worried about survival than domestic glory. Regardless, the Boys in Green are a competitive side, and the Open Cup is a refreshing change of pace from the grind of the NASL season.
Recent History
The Cosmos’ cup runs have certainly been eventful. Since their first year, the club has moved past their amateur opponent with ease before upsetting an MLS side. The Red Bulls were the first victim in 2014, then it was NYCFC in both 2015 and 2016. Outside of a lopsided score line against the Red Bulls in 2014 the Cosmos have held their own in the fifth Round as well, but have yet to be able to clinch a result.
In 2014, against the Philadelphia Union, it was a late and controversial penalty kick in the second half of extra time that was difference maker. 2015 was the Red Bulls revenge match, and 2016 saw them give up two goals in the last 15 minutes of the match against the New England Revolution, blowing their 2-1 lead in a gritty, back and forth match.
Last Season
Last year, the deepest Cosmos side to date headed into cup play after missing out on winning the Spring Season on goal difference, only to have their roster raided by several things out of their control.
Croatian attacker Niko Kranjcar was injured just a week before they would begin cup play, then moved to Scottish side, Rangers before the Cosmos faced NYCFC. Defender Gabriel Farfan and midfielder Michael Lahoud would have their loans purchased by NASL newcomers, Miami FC, before they could make a cup appearance. Bolivian striker, Yasmani Duk would break his jaw in a World Cup qualifier against Argentina and would be unavailable.
The Cosmos would still make a good run. After beating NYCFC for the second consecutive year, Kei Kamara’s late game heroics would get the best of the New York side. Losing so many key contributors before the competition caused many to ask, “what if?”, but failing to make it past the Round of 16 was the same sad story.
Player to Watch
With an off-season filled with uncertainty, the Cosmos lost many key pieces to their roster. The 2017 edition has several veterans who have been with the club since the reboot season, but missing are the big names that drew attention to the squad previously.
Midfielder Juan Marquez, however, comes to the Cosmos directly from La Liga. The former Granada CF captain asked to be released from his contract with the Spanish club before crossing the pond to be the next midfield leader for the historic New York side. The veteran’s experience and presence will be key to a Cosmos’ cup run.
Marquez has two goals and an assist in his six starts this season. The Cosmos will begin cup play on Wednesday against Reading United AC of the PDL.
Next: OSA FC set for cup run in Sounders' shadow
Open Cup Second Round Match Info:
When: May 17 7:0 pm ET
Where: Exeter Township High School, Reading, PA
Up Next: If NYC wins they would play the winner between Harrisburg City Islanders (USL) and Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) on May 31.