Photo by Anthony Gruppuso/USA TODAY Sports
By RYAN TOLMICH
For the New York Cosmos, Wednesday’s night matchup with New York City FC was about much more than just laying claim to some Big Apple bragging rights; it was about sending a message.
The Cosmos erased a 2-0 deficit Wednesday night, coming from behind to top NYCFC on penalty kicks, 4-3, to advance in the U.S. Open Cup.
For months, head coach Giovanni Savarese has talked up the U.S. Open Cup and its importance to the team, making Thursday’s matchup with their cross-city rivals about much more than a potential rivalry or New York City dominance.
Savarese says that the Cosmos come into every game with a point to prove, but the head coach admitted that Wednesday’s game did give the Cosmos that bit of edge. Taking down, and beating, a local MLS side for the second season running gives the Cosmos something the team so desperately desires: legitimacy.
“We don’t look at it like we’re the best team in New York,” Savarese said after the game. “We look at it as that people have to know that we can compete with anyone in the United States. Every time that we take the field, we are a competitive team. As I’ve said before, if the fans want to talk about that, that’s on them.
“I have to say that they played a very strong match today. New York City Football Club took this seriously, we respect that, and they came to give us a fight, which is what we wanted. As I said before, we really believe in our team. We believe that we can compete with anyone. We have a very strong mentality. We have some interesting players, so I think that we are a team that can compete.”
Compete is exactly what the Cosmos did. Despite being down a pair of goals in the second half, the Cosmos came back to equalize through a Lucky Mkosana 90th-minute leveler. With NYCFC having a chance to win in penalty kicks, goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer persevered, made the save and ultimately helped earn the Cosmos the win.
Like Savarese, Maurer and the rest of the Cosmos players were coy when it comes to staking a claim as the best team in New York. However, Maurer did admit that facts are facts, and if you look at their records, the Cosmos have a unique claim.
“On the run, we’re 2-0,” Maurer said with a smile, referencing last season’s victory over the New York Red Bulls. “I don’t want to get too much into it, but we’re 2-0. We haven’t lost yet, so hopefully we can keep it going.”
The Cosmos will now keep their U.S. Open Cup run going, with the draw set for Thursday. However, it was hard for some of the team’s players not to take a moment or two to reflect on a game that meant so much to the team.
Goalscorer Leo Fernandes said the victory was “amazing” while both Mkosana and penalty kick scorer Hunter Gorskie called the night not just one of the best of their careers, but of their entire lives.
Gorskie in particular hopes there are many more nights like this, as the defender spoke highly of the atmosphere created by both his side’s fans and the traveling NYCFC faithful. The defender says that games like these are the ones that build a team, as the Comsos topped a local rival while continuing their push towards a spot in continental competition.
“I think for us there is a big emphasis on the Open Cup and establishing ourselves as a global brand,” Gorskie said. “Playing a quality side, an MLS side, there’s a little extra in that and I’m just glad that we could go out and prove that we’re a talented team and a force to be reckoned with.
“I think the brand has already been build with the Cosmos of old and we’re just trying to maintain that legacy. Obviously the goal is to win the Open Cup and get into CONCACAF and really compete on an international level.”
But for now, the focus returns towards the next step. Having wrapped up an NASL Spring crown and taken down their local rival, Savarese says the Cosmos are just starting to heat up. At the end of the day, the Cosmos are still a long way away, even if Wednesday’s victory may just go down as one of the biggest in the club’s young history.
“We did well last year and we also want to do well this year,” Savarese said. “The win is showing that we are a team that can compete. Regardless of whatever people could say about the level of the NASL or the level of our team, we’re capable of achieving great things.
“For tonight, besides delivering a great match for the fans, it’s being able to qualify for the next round. It puts us now closer to our goal.”
Don Lamb – it is not letting me reply to your last comment, twice now in this comments – might be a sign to stop for a while.
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In your last post the comments on trying to compete and working with MLS are the problems.
– MLS is not competing with other major leagues, it is merely stifling small independent clubs all over the country.
– the problem with USSF helping MLS is that it is hurting others in the marketplace – not just NASL. But all teams not associated with MLS are hurt by this preferential treatment – which would quite easily be settled by introducing pro/rel actually.
– there is no infrastructure missing for the institution of pro/rel. The strikers play in the same stadium the MLS Miami Fusion played in. If there is one thing this country has plenty of is stadiums.
– last, I hope you don’t believe the NASL is here to try and rob from what you are representing that MLS built. NASL is a reaction to the displeasure with the MLS system in the marketplace. Everyone is complaining how they don’t like what MLS is doing, CBA for example, but continue to support it, this not how you bring about change. The history of pro sports in this country demonstrates the only way to change the practices of the industry are govt intervention, financial pressure, and/or legal challenges.
At no time has a business changed by people complaining and then continuing to buy tickets. NASL has decided to step into this gap in the marketplace, success is to be determined – but don’t ignore the appetite for a different product in the marketplace.
– Also, see Cosmos and how they perform in their marketplace and around the country. If you think their wins against MLS teams are just insignificant one offs, you are sadly underestimating the effect their performance and accompanying media coverage is having. Their attendance so far this year is up about 30-40 percent, and this is with ManCityMinorLeague in MLS this year too.
– btw – MLS hasn’t built up the popularity of this sport in this country, the USMNT has. And the coach of that team, a soccer expert with no business interest one way or the other, wants to see pro/rel in this country. Coaches, players, and fans, everyone but the owners wants it. Please don’t say this country doesn’t have enough stadiums.
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I’m not sure what you do in this industry, but if you’re a journalist please consider truly critical coverage of MLS/USSF, it would benefit the country’s soccer development. And if you’re involved in a lower division team, good luck to you buddy because USSF helping you.
So NASL is a reaction against MLS, but you think the two can coexist in the same structure? USSF helped build MLS from the beginning. They have overseen its progress the whole way. Then after they through a difficult period and start seeing real progress some mavericks come in disparaging the way they do business. You expect them to cater to these mavericks who trash the way they have been doing things?
Not sure that is a correct interpretation of events.
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the fundamental point you keep ignoring is that USSF’s purpose is not to build MLS, it is to build up soccer in the U.S. MLS is a private business and unfairly benefitting from its control of USSF. If they had a mutually beneficial relationship then USSF would share the profits it helps MLS receive, but it doesn’t. Therefore, yes, they need to step up away from propping up MLS.
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– btw, this isn’t “catering to Mavericks,” this is USSF accomplishing its mandate by actually assisting all the clubs in the country, not just the “franchises” in MLS.
And infrastructure is much more than just stadiums. I am just a coach involved in youth development. I, myself, am independent and, believe me, I am willing to be critical of MLS — I am for the CBA. But I am also very thankful for what they have provided. It has grown a lot. It will continue to change and grow. I agree that that will need to include a lot more freedom for players and teams in the future, and I hope it gets there. If it doesn’t, I will see it as holding back the game in this country and I will be very critical. t also hope NASL and USL and all of the other leagues thrive as well. Cheers, and good luck to your Cosmos against NYRB and further into the future!
(Just to be clear, MLS didn’t grow the sport, USMNT did – oh yeah, and all the fans, players and coaches of the NASL that stuck around after the league folded and kept the sport alive)
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Appreciate the well wishes, good luck to you too coach.
I would also add that any good player who has legit MLS offers will in no way choose NASL, money is lower, no TV, attendance paltry, its a minor league, those players are basically just the left overs…
COSMOS and NASL will be irrelevant in a couple years, I don’t care if they win the USOC one year or another year, it still won’t matter, there is no fan interest and you can’t grow with attendance around 3K. MLS has an ever growing fan base and revenue stream, it is the best business model for soccer growth which is what we need now to grow the game – you can have arguments in 15-20 years from now when the money really starts rolling in and players are paid more, but NASL teams will either be “promoted” to MLS, go to USL, or be extinct. NASL is relying on criminal money to get by…
Ladies…Ladies…MLS and the NASL are both the pretties girls at the US Open Cup Ball.
Don Lamb – we’re ready for pro/rel. What’s missing?
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Players in the “first” division are supposed to be better. But you’re mistaken to present it like a huge chasm. Plenty of good players in NASL – and USL.
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Again, you don’t address the fact that the Cosmos were missing 3 starters and their first sub. Also, it’s not a one off game. The MLS is NOT killing any of these USL/NASL teams. They would be if there was a huge gap b/w the leagues – but there isn’t. Calling these guys MLS rejects is offensive.
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Last, how can you support MLS and also say you support all soccer divisions in this country when MLS is trying to kill any independent clubs not under its thumb? That doesn’t promote the development of soccer in this country.
The way I see it, as someone who has no ties to any single team or league in this country, is that MLS is doing what it can to be the best league it can be. USL is happy to play along with the MLS vision. MLS is not some evil corporation trying to squash competition. At the same time, it is not their problem to worry about the health of NASL. They are going to grow as they see fit. If that means taking some NASL markets, then that is the decision of the market. This is, in fact, a form of “promotion” in the US. There just is not any relegation.
Saying that players in NASL wouldn’t make much of an impact in MLS is not meant to be offensive. Hunter Jumper is a nice player, but would he be an assured starter in MLS? Raul is a legend, but how many MLS teams were chomping at the bit to pay him like a Lampard, Gerard, Bradley, Altidore, etc.?
The stability of the MLS and NASL organizations are polar opposites. Indy 11 looks like a nice team, but they are in year two. Who is to say that team is still going to be popular in 5 years? What happens if other NASL teams go under? These are real concerns since, as you pointed out in another post, minor league teams struggle to remain legitimate in the public. Meanwhile, MLS teams are supported by each other since they are “in it together.” This creates some issues as well, but there is stability as well. This stability has brought money to the entire league. There is no such thing as stability in the NASL, and that is something that makes soccer fans in this country very wary (mostly because of the fate of the old NASL).
Say what you want about why it collapsed, but that league was so unstable that it became a farce with expansion and retraction. Whereas we have generally seen steady growth with MLS in a system that has been coordinated every step of the way, with the NASL, we see a relatively fragile organization with clubs of varying success and promise. I hope they thrive in their local markets, but I think it will be difficult for NASL to become relevant nationally for lots of different reasons. I worry about some of them going under, whereas that is not a concern with MLS franchises.
When you are looking at the long term picture, stability is the key. If you have faith in the development of the game in this country, the long view makes the most sense, in my opinion. Saying, “Just open it up, and let the teams end up where they will” sounds very reckless to me. That is short term thinking that carries a lot of risk with it. I love this game too much and I am too invested in it for it to be in jeopardy.
The infrastructure is still about a decade for a serious conversation about pro/rel. What’s the rush? If we want this to be done right, it’s going to take time and an organized approach.
Your post is completely non responsive, and to boot, you decide to throw in some straw man arguments as well.
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As an initial point, you still dont address my point about the Cosmos missing 4 of their top 12 players for the last game. Again, the leagues have the same sh@t quality players, only thing is Cosmos – unlike most other lower division teams – are deep enough to be competitive. They sign good players to long term deals – not something lower divisions generally did. Also, you completely don’t address the Ibarra issue which you brought up. And btw, he isn’t the first NASL player to be sold in its short history.
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Then you say you have no allegiance, except everything you say sounds like a mls press release – or worse,like it came from Alexi Lalas’ mouth – you remember him? The guy that traded Landon Donovan for nothing, nada, zip, zilch, zip pity doo da?
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On the MLS front, you first mistake is saying they built their success, but in fact it was Chuck Blazer – MLS man of the year in 2006 – that got them their TV contract by using his position in the USSF. That’s right, that Chuck Blazer.
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Next, who says it is the responsibility of MLS to take of care of NASL – or any other soccer in this country for that matter? Nobody is asking for MLS’ help, but what is necessary is for USSF to stop giving MLS special status. If you want to say this is “promotion,” then why is it being singled out for help by USSF to the detriment of other leagues? If the soccer landscape in the U.S. Is a open market where leagues are out fighting each other then USSF cannot support one league over the others. If USSF wanted to help all soccer leagues in the U.S. And not just MLS then why didn’t it make sure the TV contract included some money for the lower league too? No offense to you, but don’t be a hypocrite about the business of soccer in the U.S. – a governing agency cannot favor one enterprise in the marketplace over others. And FYI, this is not an NASL/Cosmos argument, this was done before the advent of the current nasl/Cosmos.
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I’m sure there are other details to take exception with in your post, but the most important is that we are ready for pro/rel right now. Only thing holding us back is MLS/USSF. You have yet to say why we aren’t except the tired line that MLS has been going slow and steady. But that is a bunch of b.s. – we’re in 2015, not 1995. Also, although it is still early, do you know NASL is on target for 1 million in attendance this year? We’re ready.
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Sorry, last point, your use of the word “organized” is nothing but code for MLS. Talk to me about MLS when they have a plan that includes helping everyone on the pyramid, not just themselves – btw – since their value is based on the television contracts that they get from USSF, why doesn’t MLS give over their 100 million franchise fee to the USSF to help grow soccer in the U.S.? B/c they’re a greedy corporation, doesn’t make them evil, just a greedy corporation.
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Ok, really last point, did you see the article today in espnfc where the majority of MLS players would like to see pro/rel in the U.S.? It was anonymous. Of course. The fans want it, the players want it, only the owners and MLS bots argue against it,
“As an initial point, you still dont address my point about the Cosmos missing 4 of their top 12 players for the last game.” Like I am not going to debate what happened in a one-off game. Like I said, NASL teams are very capable of beating MLS teams in these situations. But how many NASL teams have gone deep in the US Open Cup? Look at CCL and Liga MX’s dominance. That dominance includes some finals appearances by MLS, but we still consider MLS to be lagging behind Liga MX. The gap between Liga MX and MLS is smaller than the gap between NASL and MLS.
Name one player on the Cosmos that would be more than a role player in MLS…
If what I wrote sounds like an MLS press release, that is probably because you are reading it with your NASL bias skewing things. I don’t have an agenda to push one league or another. I am just a big fan of being realistic. Thus, I admit above that EPL>LigaMX>MLS>NASL. That is factual.
Who cares what Chuck Blazer’s role was in negotiating MLS’s first tv contract. That is far from relevant in this conversation. As for USSF’s treatment of the leagues: what do you elect? USSF is invested in MLS and has been for 20 years. They have been working with MLS so that the game can grow and become first rate in this country. Then NASL comes along 15 years later, and you expect USSF to drop everything that they are doing and cater to NASL and damage MLS? That is NASL’s problem and they have to understand that they are not going to get the things that MLS gets because they are not the first division.
You ask, “Why didn’t USSF make sure that NASL benefitted from the tv contract?” Um, maybe because NASL has nothing to do with the tv deal. You talk about how great it is that NASL clubs stand on their own, but then you want these handouts from USSF. You are such a big fan of “independent soccer,” I would think you would be insulted by any help from USSF.
Listen, I hope the NASL does well. It would definitely be a great thing for soccer in the US. But to expect it to be on par with MLS, which is in year 20 while NASL is in year 4 or whatever is just nuts. USSF has already been working with MLS. They are not going to throw that out the window just because another league started up. If another “open” league started tomorrow, should USSF treat that like a first division too?
You are just going to have to accept NASL’s status as a second division. It’s okay. In a few years, I hope we can talk about a structure where pro/rel is realistic. That is great that the players want that system. I want it too, but the time is not right for it.
I saw the article you referenced about MLS players wanting pro/rel. I thousands like their statements are much more in line with what I am saying:
“It would hold teams accountable game in, game out throughout the season, if it was realistic. Right now, second-division teams are just not where they need to be in terms of quality. But down the road, it would be great. It would make the regular season more meaningful.”
“I would favor it if it was realistic. MLS has come a long way but it still has a ways to go, and so do NASL teams.”
“I don’t think this league is ready for that.”
I thought that was interesting too. The poll doesn’t have equivocation – as presented – but all the quotes do. That’s an odd inconsistency.
You’re misrepresenting my points, in general.
– Fine if you disagree about the size of the gap in talent level. I think you’re wrong, but so be it.
– Cosmos players have turned down MLS offers.
– never said NASL should get a handout, the problem is that MLS is getting a handout, so either everyone gets a handout or no one gets a handout. That is a conflict of interest, amongst other things.
– USSF working closely with MLS is a problem because it is supposed grow soccer in this country, it isn’t supposed to just grow MLS.
– why are you offended by promotion of independent club soccer? This is where you veer toward MLS press puppet territory. It’s not 1985, so stop with the antiquated soccer world view.
– as for TV, I think every NASL team has a TV contract going locally – not just espn3. Might be off by 1 or 2 teams, but basically they all do. Cosmos are on tv from Pennsylvania to NE. They’re growing just fine without USSF help. So why did MLS need all that help? See, USSFs assistance to MLS is relevant and belies your point that MLS did it all on its own – it did not. Thank you Chuck Blazer, again.
– lastly, there is no reason we can’t have pro/ rel right now – that was a point you did not address.
If I am “offended” by anything, it is by the incessant opinions of those who have no perspective on the roles that the different leagues play in this country. We are not ready for promotion/relegation. The players who were quoted said that. Most soccer fans say that. Even most team executives say that — I would link an article from big soccer if I knew how which quoted many many club executives from all different leagues in the US. The consensus was that we are not ready for it. Even NASL executives admitted as much.
USSF is going to help MLS. That is their prerogative and as a fan/professional working in the game in this country, I would also say it is their duty. NASL just came about recently after the USSF and MLS had been working together for a long time. You cannot expect USSF to drop those initiatives so that NASL can benefit.
There are some red flags with the way NASL is run. The connection with Traffic is one of those flags. I am not saying that NASL should have seen that coming, but I do believe that MLS is much more stringent when vetting ownership groups. Also, NASL seems a bit willy-nilly with their expansion strategy. In fact, it seems there is not much of a strategy at all other than to add teams and get to the west coast at some point. I hope the league thrives, but there is some cause for concern. MLS, on the other hand, has survived its dark days and has come out of that period booming.
If NASL wants to prove to me that it is a legit league, they are going to have to be consistent and stable for much longer than the handful of years that they have been around. MLS got a pass because there was nothing else when it started (unless you count the A league). MLS did the dirty work and has done so much for the game in this country at a time when it was not nearly as popular as it is now. NASL is starting up in a much different environment, and they have this attitude where they want to complain about and compete with big brother MLS. While I want both leagues to thrive, I find this attitude off-putting, and I think that NASL needs to establish itself to a much higher level before it should be considered anywhere close to MLS.
The changes you’re talking about wont happen with MLS, there is no reason for them to change since they monopolize the market, that’s the problem with your position.
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Yes, MLS and USSF were the only ones around so they could do anything. But that isn’t the case anymore, as a result continuing to give MLS preferential treatment would be unethical for USSF, not sure how you can argue that.
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We are in fact ready for pro/rel if the MLS franchises were actually independent clubs. There would easily be three tiers. but of course the MLS execs said we aren’t ready, of course they did – what would you expect them to say? They will never say otherwise. Never. Ever. Ever. Never. Ever. Never. But if you’re a professional in the game then you already know that.
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If you’re going to disparage NASL for Traffic, please tell us what Traffic did illegally to benefit NASL? Everyone keeps referencing it like it is a smoking gun, but there is yet to be one piece of actual evidence to support any wrongful conduct related to NASL. If you are aware of any I would genuinely like to see it. Along those lines, how can you say Chuck Blazers relationship with MLS doesn’t mean anything?
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Incidentally, not sure how you complain about NASL ownership or expansion when MLS let in Chivas and ManCity to create minor affiliates in its league – or FFP work arounds, call it what you will. Given RedBulls other soccer holdings one could argue that NJRB is also a minor league team for their mothership, anyway, it’s not exactly a feather in your cap to be someone’s minor league if you claim to aspire to be a top worldwide league. And oh yeah, the last two pro teams to fold in this country were not in NASL, in fact the most recent was in MLS.
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You are right about stability, personally, I’m not expecting much from NASL until they get to 18 – 20 teams – if ever. Also, although the Cosmos recent successes against MLS and USL are welcomed, there will be much more they can accomplish once they get a stadium. So, if/when NASL gets to a stable 18-20 teams and Cosmos get a stadium, that’s when this will get interesting.
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As for your comment that it is anyone’s duty to help MLS, couldn’t disagree more. Businesses compete with each other and get regulated by government agencies, they don’t get preferential treatment from government agencies – ergo, USSF should not be helping MLS at the expense of NASL and USL. As a matter of fact, doesn’t it trouble you that MLS, despite its big talk, needs to package itself with USMNT games to get a TV contract? After 20 years it still can’t stand on its own.
“There is no reason for MLS to change because they monopolize the market.” I disagree. The market that MLS is looking to get its share of includes Liga MX and EPL. It also includes MLB, college football and the NFL, just to name a few.
I was disappointed in the previous CBA negotiations, but we will see how the league changes over the course of the next few years to take more of the market share from those competitors.
Aligning themselves with NASL and instituting pro/rel could eventually be part of the strategy to do that, but NASL is nowhere near mature enough for that at the moment.
You don’t want USSF to help MLS, but the fact is that they are in bed together, and that relationship goes back well before the new NASL was here. You can’t fault USSF for showing preferential treatment to its first division league where they have so much invested.
Lol at all these Traffic Sports, Inc. — sorry, I mean NASL fans — acting like a win in the Open Cup over MLS is some amazing feat that proves they are on the path to legitimacy. Sorry, USL and even semi-pro teams have been doing it for years. It is the nature of cup competitions in every country, every year.
NASL fans act like they have the only business model that is legitimate. I would venture to say the day isn’t far off when the super clubs in Europe decide to bail on their domestic leagues and form a replacement for the champions League that is a true league built on an NFL business model. If you think Man Utd and Bayern are going to want to continue subsidizing Ingolstadt and Watford for long, i think you’re in for a rude awakening. The champions league is now more popular than any league competition in the world, and the big clubs know they are the reason why. the super clubs have all the market power in Europe, and at some point they are going to want to take advantage of that and dispatch with the fanciful notion that Swansea has any chance of winning the league or that Chelsea will ever get relegated.
What is the LH USOC? to me, it’s a fun tournament that happens once a year.
other sports (baseball, football, basketball, etc.) don’t have anything like it (amateur and lower division playing off against pro and higher divisions). what’s more fun than watching an amateur or lower division pro side shock everyone by advancing farther in this tournament than anyone might have expected. to me, that’s probably the real fun of it. personally, i don’t put any more emphasis on this tournament than that. i don’t use it to compare leagues (apparently the favorite topic of conversation for some people in this forum) (not that there’s anything wrong with that). i just think it’s a fun tournament. and this year, aren’t teams like the cosmos, independence and battery making it more fun? i don’t read more into it than that. i compare this tournament somewhat to the yearly mls all-star game. it’s fun to watch. one team is in pre-season, the other is in mid-season. i just watch it, i enjoy it, and i don’t read too much into it.
That’s because you’re an MLS fan, MLS fans don’t understand clubs that are actually out there trying to compete and win because MLS is selling you some nonsense about parity. Win or lose, Cosmos go out and try to win every game – no excuses.
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Sorry if this doesn’t compute with the MLS press release excuse factory you’re so accustomed to. Oh no, Concacaf Champ.League doesn’t mean anything to our league – fast forward to Mobtreal in the finals and MLS gives them a month off to prepare for one team. Hypocrisy! Sorry buddy, but games mean something – or at least they should – maybe you should start expecting more from your McWendys outlet. #bushleague
I am with you in terms of the good that a healthy second division will do for the US, and I hope MLS, NASL, and USL all do very well, so don’t take this the wrong way.
It might seem like I am dissing the NASL, but really I am just responding to your theory that NASL is a better league than MLS. So, here goes…
Do you think that maybe the Cosmos take every game so seriously is because they have a 10 game regular season? They don’t really have a need to rotate or rest players.
Who says they don’t have to rotate? In this last game they were missing three starters and their 6th man.
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But, this is the point really. There isn’t much difference between MLS/NASL/USL players, same talent pool. Sorry, just true. But the MLS franchises are deeper, better top to bottom. This is where the Cosmos are able to compete, they’re not necessarily better than the MLS franchises, but they’re deep enough to compete. Most other NASL/USL clubs wouldn’t be able to compete if they were missing 4 of their top 12 players. Just look at these Cup games, it’s not like MLS is killing anyone, basically all the games are close.
Absolutely not true. There are two separate talent pools for MLS and NASL. How many impact players have gone from MLS to NASL? NASL might have gotten a couple here or there that MLS was interested in, but there are not that many players in NASL who would play much in MLS. The best player in NASL, who is leaving now, was cut from MLS.
Well then I guess a bunch of MLS rejects just beat 2 of the last 3 MLS teams they faced. And got robbed on the third.
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mls snob, so depressing actually. Like a Euro snob, except without the ability to judge soccer talent. Thanks for using Ibarra as an example, clearly you’re a better judge of talent than JK and the LigaMX scouts.
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I thought you weren’t trying to “diss” NASL?
– also, you didn’t even address the fact that the Cosmos were missing 4 of their top 12 players.
The problem with MLS and Euro snobs is not that they say those leagues are better than others — they quite factually are superior than the ones they claim to be better than. That is just reality.
The problem with the snobs is that they don’t see any value in anything other than “their” league. I am not in that camp. I hope soccer thrives with several different healthy divisions in this country. I am not against pro/rel, but the infrastructure is not there yet. In the meantime, I am not going to accept that a second tier league can compete with a first tier league in much more than one off games. That goes for NASLvMLS, MLSvEPL, and even LigaMXvMLS at this point.
easily the greatest game of the season, be that usoc or any domestic leagues here. despite the lack of pro/rel or getting these 3 in the same league so glad that this 3 headed rivalry will be mainstay every summer in the USOC. this is just the beginning! expect these three to be matched up every year and some crazy games each time.
Not sure why all the hatred for the Cosmos. They beat them fair and square.
Sure NYFC looked like a stronger team, blew the game and didn’t play Villa. So what?
Cosmos won and can still win the USOC. FC did not, will not and cannot.
Next round will be fun.
ps. I did root for NYFC because the MLS haters adopting the Cosmos is sooo annoying. But I am extremely happy for the real Cosmos’ fans. I remember rooting for the Sounders against Landon and MLS champs. I remember the Sounders beating MLS teams at QWest ( now CLink) in their pre MLS days. Awesome times.
As a NYer and a fan of MLS from the very beginning I have always sort of resented Cosmos. They were a team that belonged to another generation and their business model killed soccer in American until the 94 World Cup and the birth of MLS.
Now that a new league and a new system has been enacted and soccer is finally starting to take hold Cosmos returns and not only do they fail to get the capital and the leadership to join MLS they also sign a bunch of geriatrics and play their games in the middle of nowhere.
I’m very glad RBNY is taking the tourney seriously this year and I hope they thrash Cosmos but remember that game is in 2 weeks and RBNY has three games between now and then. Cosmos can rest their old bones because their beer league ended early.
You’re such a bot! It’s embarrassing really – it’s like reading a mls press release.
Says the computer that responds with the same criticism to every post. I just hope we mop the floor with this beer league outfit of fat old men so we can see a real rivalry match RBNY vs DC United!
Omg, you’re so boring. Go read a press release, that way you won’t have to think for yourself, you can just repeat what you’re expected to like a good bot.
Cosmos beating their chests because they beat the worst team in MLS at home and had to go to PKs to do it. Talk about a club with the Napolean Complex lol. Yet Cosmos keep bringing up RBNY from last year, when Red Bulls clearly devalued that game – they played it like a scrimmage – and attempted to avoid injury for the most part. Cosmos, again, have the ability to rest and prep specifically for these matches. It’s actually a perfect set up with their short season already complete.
They’ll get a real match this time out from RBNY, and it won’t be played in that parking lot of a field out in Long Island lol.
Can’t argue with John Brown. He’s right. Sorry people. Until the Cosmos take over for the Red Bulls, they are second class.
Hmmmm. Not sure what you mean by take over, but I believe they beat them 3-0 last year. Knocked em out anyway. Just like they did NYFC.
The cosmos, charlotte independence, and i think you must also add the charleston battery, who lasted ten rounds of pk’s against expansion orlando city.
Legitimacy for what? Don’t get me wrong I grew up on the Cosmos so… right on. But even if they win the US Open… so what? I never understood this track towards legitimacy that they are convinced they are on. Being the best team in the 2nd division in american soccer was such an odd goal for them to set for themselves. Basically their ONLY hope for relevancy is relegation. Not happening.
Why are you against the success of independent soccer clubs?
Couldn’t you also write an article about the Charlotte Independence finding even more legitimacy than the Long Island Cosmos? After all, the USL certainly asserted itself over NASL in the round of 64. Additionally, Charlotte knocked of MLS cup runners up not some newly formed ManCity Jr.
Dont hate on NASL, if you want to see the continued success of independent soccer clubs in the U.S., NASL is not your enemy.
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Certainly hope you’re not content being in a reserve league getting scraps.
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That said, Charlotte deserves some love too!
yup. there is a intense three way battle for respect among the ny teams and it makes great journalism.. the Charlotte win was impressive! wonderful strike for the goal and some great possession/defending to knock out one of the best teams in the USA. Heaps was really worked up over this one!
Well done, Cosmos!
Too bad no other NASL teams could follow suit this year.
US soccer can only benefit from a strong and competitive NASL…let’s see how the new PR, Miami teams hold up when they start play. Jacksonville have done ok as a new team so far…
When the Cosmos or the NASL do this then you can talk
NYCFC has sold 35,000 for the June 28th “Hudson River Derby” rematch between NYCFC and the New York Red Bulls.
ticket sales for the Red Bulls rematch are “outpacing opening day sales” and are expected to shatter NYCFC attendance records. At this pace, NYCFC are expecting “from 46 to 48,000″ fans in attendance, eclipsing their record-setting opening day mark against New England of 43,507. The number could be higher with NYCFC opening up all areas of the stadium for the rematch.
So what the fu ck does that have to do with someone saying they hope the D2 league grows and the new teams help grow the sport too?
It has everything to do with it, the Cosmos are irrelevant in the NY sports scene, they get no coverage from the local press or TV, no one really knows they exist outside of the 4,000 people that show up to Hofstra University.
NY does not care about minor league teams and the Cosmos try to pass themselves off as a big team which they are not and it will not change as long as they are in the NASL.
WRONG.
They are VERY relevant in the 2015 US Open Cup.
As are NYRB.
The team that is irrellevant is NYFC.
The US Open cup no one cares about it, did you see pictures of the stadiums ? they were all empty. If the cosmos win the US open cup big deal. They will still be playing in the minor leagues (NASL) .
This will never change unless the cosmos join the MLS and that will never happen.
I know its hard for the Cosmo fan to deal with but they are irrelevant in NY , its hard enough to get people to cover soccer or to get fans to pay attention to soccer . Do you really think they care about a minor league team? I dont think so.
If a lower division team beats a franchise team in the U.S. Open Cup, did the McWendys team still lose?
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MLS bots can’t compute that Cosmos are not minor league.
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#greentideworldwide
Support your local independent soccer clubs!
Keep thinking like a slug that a 2nd division team (or 3rd, or 4th for that matter) is irrelevant. Every team in the country is relevant if you love this sport. MLS is not an island.
Love those numbers by the way, but NYFC is still irelevant in the 2015 LH USOC.
You cannot really compare fan turnout between the Cosmos and the NYFC/NYRB game. The MLS has a huge marketing machine with a national and international TV audience. The competition at this point, is not butts on seats, but rather on the pitch, and the Cosmos made a point in that they are competitive. But they have a hill to climb to even get past the Red Bulls or the other MLS teams to get to the Open Cup finals.
We will find out shortly if the Cosmos are competitive at the top tier/MLS level, or is their victory a one-off fluke.
But kudos to Savarese and the Cosmos for taking a scalp, and I am looking forward to their next OSOC game.
A draw against an expansion MLS team at home resting several regulars followed by a shootout win? If NYCFC hadn’t allowed the last-minute equalizer, would that mean Cosmos are a joke? Reading way too much into one game.
Look, if you are a Cosmos fan looking to pretend your team is bigtime despite playing minor league teams on LI in a college stadium with 3,000 fans, this helps you maintain your delusion. Any argument that NASL is somehow on par with MLS is belied by the fact that only one other NASL team even made if to this round and 14 of the 16 remaining teams in the Cup are MLS. Last year Cosmos couldn’t even win NASL.
You truly just make up shit when you troll. Other than Villa and Saunders the NYCFC lineup last night was according to Jason Kreis their first choice line up. The “we didn’t play our best” excuses are getting tiresome, accept defeat like a man.
No one is saying NASL is better than MLS, we’re just saying the Cosmos are the best team in NY.
We will certainly find out next round.
I love it.
If it weren’t for the annoying MLS haters on the Cosmos bandwagon, this is a part of what soccer in this country has.
And it is great.
Cosmos bandwagon is an oxymoron. They are a small club with real fans. They are not you. Accept difference.
One second no one likes the Cosmos, the next second they have a bandwagon.
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Make up your mind you hypocrite.
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Quit whining about US soccer – unless you wanna complain about the Cosmos or the NASL – you’re a hypocrite.
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Go back to supporting your neutered Sounders. Most popular team in America, but can’t buy a win because …. Well you know why.
every SKC fan I know is rooting for the Cosmos over RB and NYCFC
I dont think you have a grasp on perception at all
And a hell of statement at that. 2 years running now they’ve knocked out a NY/NJ MLS team. I don’t think MLS, I’m sorry, the USSF will pair the Cosmos with the NYRB next round because if they lost to the Cosmos it would be utterly disastrous. What I do see is them being paired with Philly, and as a result, the fans receiving a hella’ ugly game where no soccer is actually involved and Raul or Senna ends up on a stretcher.
at least now i know not to trust YOUR crystal ball… lol
Lol
NYRB either have very clear reassurances from the USSF or their taking a extreme gamble.
pretty damning to the league to have teams who have combined for one piece of hardware in their entire history to be knocked out. It might ruin the perception of NYC Pro soccer!
TODAY IS ALL ABOUT THE NEW YORK COSMOS ON SBI!!! =)
BEAUTIFUL!!!