For one night, Coney Island adds soccer to growing list of pro sports

Kicking off at Coney!

Sports are quickly becoming as significant a part of Coney Island as the rides and vaudeville acts. First baseball made its way to Coney in 2001, followed by football last year.

Now, for 2015, soccer will make its way to the historic neighborhood. The New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League (NASL) will play their first match on Saturday, May 2 at 7 p.m. at MCU Park where they will face the Ottawa Fury during their spring season schedule.

Cosmos fans have much to be excited for this campaign, as they recently signed 37-year-old former Real Madrid superstar Raúl González Blanco. The franchise is anticipating the talented player to generate tons of excitement.

“2015 marks Raúl’s debut season with our club,” Cosmos Chief Operating Officer Erik Stover said. “So we’re delighted to have the opportunity to play our first-ever game in Brooklyn and to continue to connect with fans and the soccer community in New York City.”

The Cosmos reentered the NASL in August, 2013. Although the franchise’s current home is in James M. Shuart Stadium on the Hofstra University campus with a proposal under consideration that could move the team to Belmont Park, Vice President of the Brooklyn Cyclones Steve Cohen is excited to give Brooklynites a taste of high quality soccer for an evening.

“MCU Park is excited to host the New York Cosmos, a club that has been instrumental in the development and popularity of soccer in the United States” said Cohen. “Bringing professional soccer to Coney Island is another step in proving that the borough of Brooklyn is one of the best and most diverse sports markets in the country.”

To purchase tickets to the match or find out more information on the Cosmos, visit www.nycosmos.com/tickets or call 855-71-COSMOS.