By RYAN TOLMICH
As a free agent, midfielder Adam Moffat had options. Several clubs were interested in the veteran midfielder, who boasted eight years of MLS experience, but Moffat was looking for something special.
Moffat, a 28-year-old defensive midfielder, who hails from Glasgow, Scotland, found everything he was looking for in the New York Cosmos. Moffat was looking for ambition, for passion, for excitement, and that is exactly what the midfielder believes he has found in his new team.
“With my contract at the end of the year, a few teams, including MLS teams, were interested and New York was one of them,” Moffat told SBI. “They’re an ambitious team. I spoke to (head coach Gio Savarese) and he told me how things are and the style of play. They excited me and they really pursued me. They really wanted me to be there. I spoke to my wife, I spoke to my family about it, and it just seemed like the best fit.”
Part of the allure of the Cosmos, at least in Moffat’s case, came in the team’s recognition on the global scale. As a native of Scotland, the Cosmos have a name that resonates with Moffat’s countryman and the ambition to continue to push the boundaries of what an NASL side can be.
“They want to win. They make splashes and it’s obviously a team that’s a global name,” Moffat said. “They’re known worldwide and I think, with the addition of Raul, you’re still getting that global recognition all around the world. I think it’s great.
“People in Scotland, everyone knows about the team over there, and you don’t find that with teams that are even in the top level. I just say they’re ambitious and they want to do things right and they want to win, and that’s what I look forward to.”
Moffat, who featured 20 times for FC Dallas last season, understands exactly what he needs to do to be a part of those wins. The midfielder has developed a reputation for scoring with a series of long distances finishes with goals that have been aptly named “Moffat Rockets”. Despite his flair for the spectacular, Moffat understands that his defensive ability, not his goalscoring, will continue to be his bread and butter.
“I think it’s similar to what I’ve been (through) over the last seven or eight years in MLS where I don’t contribute many goals,” Moffat said. “Hopefully a few, though, some really nice ones. I just kind of break things up so that those attacking players can have that freedom to do that. I’m good at breaking things up, winning the ball back and giving it to the guys up top.
“I’ll contribute with my leadership,” Moffat continued. “I’m not one to shout and scream. I like to lead by example and work hard and encourage people, so hopefully that does help and I’m sure people can respect that.”
In addition to earn his teammate’s respect as a player, Moffat is also hoping to earn his team some respect from players and fans all over the country.
Moffat has set some lofty goals for his first NASL campaign. As expected, he understands that the primary targets for this season lie in league play, but that doesn’t stop the midfielder from setting his sights on achieving major things against MLS sides in the U.S. Open Cup.
“With the Open Cup in there, I think we have a squad that can challenge any MLS team, so the goal is to really push for winning that,” Moffat said. “You’ve seen teams in the NASL do really well against the MLS, including the Cosmos last year, so we want to advance and, hopefully, win that whole thing to really get our name out there.”
On a personal level, Moffat is just looking forward to getting back on the field after suffering through a series of minor injuries with FC Dallas. At 28-years-old, Moffat still believes he has plenty left to offer, while also offering his new team some valuable experience heading into the NASL season.
“Personally, I want to play as many games as possible,” Moffat said. “Last year was a little bit stop and start for me. I had a couple injuries that weren’t serious, but they kind of slowed my momentum down. For me, it’s just getting back healthy. I’ve been pretty healthy the last four or five years, so I want to keep that going and keep improving.
“I’m 28. I’ve been playing a long enough time, but you still want to improve. You get a little bit smarter and, physically, I feel like I can still go with the best of them. That, for me, as a player and to obviously win. I’ve had some success throughout my time in the U.S. and I want to keep that going.”
They were called “Adam Bombs”, not “Moffatt Rockets”. The latter sounds like something you shoot out of your nose…
This really exemplifies why the Cosmos should be so important to MLS. It is the ONLY global soccer brand the United States has. The commissioner’s office should be making every effort to bring the Cosmos in as the new owner of the Red Bulls. People in this country can’t see it, but it’s about the most important thing MLS could do in global marketing.
I really do hope the Cosmos do well in the Open Cup, or even win the Open Cup, just because I’m interested to see what steps they would take after and who they would try to bring in for their Champions League run.
Does anybody know cosmos payroll, or how much they are paying Raul, moffat.
I’m curious too. Who knows. I know they recently offered $800k for Jaime Valdes. I like to think they know what they’re doing, but I can’t figure out how they make money. Hopefully they are taking a dive deep into the red. I’m super intrigued by what they’ve done and what they’re doing so far.
Our owners are Sela Sport and the owner of OWS sports network, we basically have a blank check budget. Money is not an issue cause we’re swimming in it. Which is why MLS is not a thing, why share money with the Crew and Dallas when the owners have more money that the entire MLS put together?
I do not approve of this article.
You tell ’em, boss!
http://oi59.tinypic.com/wchcn4.jpg
Cosmos just buy red bulls 🙂
Just Stop.
I’d love to see the Cosmos in the MLS but it won’t happen. The MLS is too controlling and the Cosmos like doing their own thing. Until then, I’m hoping my Galaxy meet them in the US Open cup.
Enjoy 2nd tier soccer.
Well, he played for the Crew and Dallas so i am sure he used to it by now.
Zing!!!
+1
That comeback made me fall of my barstool.
Golazo-azo-azo!
Best of luck to you Adam, thanks for your time at FCD