New York Cosmos gear up for semi-finals match by visiting New York Aquarium

The New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League have had an excellent season, but they recently faced a new and formidable opponent in the form of Brooklyn’s most famous sea lion.

To promote their second match ever held at Coney Island’s MCU Park, the NASL Championship Semifinals on Saturday, November 7, five Cosmo players attended the Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium’s Aquatheater to meet and play some soccer with Osborne the sea lion, one of the venue’s biggest attractions.

Children from various schools enjoyed the tricks performed by the talented Osborne and a companion. Before the festivities came to a close, Cosmos leading scorer Leonardo Fernandes, forward Kharlton Belmar, mid-fielder Jimmy Mulligan, goalkeeper Brian Holt and goalkeeper Keasel Broome got involved in the show.

Each player kicked a soccer ball to Osborne, who  seamlessly balanced the ball on his nose before passing it right back. The loving sea lion then gave each participant a smooch.
The Cosmos were impressed with Osborne’s talent, intelligence and size, weighing over 500 pounds. “That was amazing. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” said Mulligan. “The sea lion knows so much. He’s so smart and it was really cool to be a part of.”

Osborne the sea lion poses for photos with the New York Cosmos
Osborne the sea lion poses for photos with the New York Cosmos

“I had a great time. This was my first time at the Aquarium. It’s beautiful here,” added Fernandes. “I definitely wasn’t expecting the sea lion to be that big. That’s probably the biggest animal to be around. It’s also the first animal to kiss me. ”

The Cosmos, who play most of their matches at James M. Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, played their first match in Brooklyn against the Ottawa Fury on Saturday, May 2 and won 4-2. The team has made its presence felt throughout their season, making many appearances to encourage fans to notice the solid team.

“Anytime you’re able to come to Coney Island, it’s a great experience. We’ve come around here as a group around four times already and it’s always been a pleasure to come,” said Fernandes. “We hope to keep coming and get the community involved with the team.”

Both players also look back fondly at the team’s first Coney match. ”It was different,” explained Mulligan.

“It was the first time I played on a baseball field converted to a soccer field but the atmosphere was great,” he said. “We had a lot of great fans. The field was set up nice and it was a really cool experience.”

He  sees the potential of professional soccer in Brooklyn. “I think soccer is growing like crazy in Brooklyn and I think they want to see more,” he said.

The Cosmos have had a big  season, winning all but four games, and look forward to wrapping it up with a championship. “We’re excited to come back for the playoff game. We think it’s going to be nothing but great fans and they’re going to help us win,” Fernandes said.

“It’s been a special season. We have a great  group of guys. We’re having a lot of fun and winning a lot of games. And we want to keep moving that forward and win the championship,” he concluded.

The NASL Championship Semifinal will be held at MCU Park on Saturday, November 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $15. For tickets, visit www.nycosmos.com.

Leading scorer Leonardo Fernandes kissed by Osborne the Sea Lion
Leading scorer Leonardo Fernandes kissed by Osborne the Sea Lion

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