Soccer team New York Cosmos is moving to Brooklyn

Soccer is coming to Coney for good.

After playing their first match in Brooklyn in May of 2015 and having a strong community presence in the borough, the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League (NASL) will be leaving Hofstra, where they played their home games, to make Coney Island’s MCU Park their new home.

The team, which is the reigning NASL champion, will host 16 regular season matches this season, beginning with the home opener on Saturday, April 1.

“During the Cosmos’ inaugural season in 1971, the team played at Yankee Stadium,” said Cosmos Chairperson Rocco Commisso. “With our move to MCU Park in Brooklyn, we are not only able to offer fans easy access to a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, but we are also reconnecting the club to its original New York City roots. Adding the excitement of Cosmos’ games to Coney Island’s already vibrant atmosphere will be a win-win for our club and soccer enthusiasts throughout the metropolitan area.”

“We are thrilled to showcase MCU Park as a multi-purpose venue and welcome the Cosmos, a storied franchise in American soccer history,” added New York Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon.  “All New York area soccer fans will enjoy watching the Cosmos make their mark in Brooklyn.”

The team also played at MCU Park during the NASL Championship Semifinals back in November of 2015.

Chairperson of the National Premier Soccer League Joe Barone, a Dyker Heights resident, discussed the possibility of the move in 2015. “I would hope that the Cosmos could eventually play full time here in Brooklyn. (General Manager of MCU Park) Steve Cohen and I have worked on this for many years,” he said at the time.

Elected officials are excited about the move.

“With the Cosmos coming to Brooklyn, we’re adding a world class franchise to New York City’s proud soccer tradition,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.  “We couldn’t be more proud to welcome the New York Cosmos to the five boroughs.”

“This historic Brooklyn neighborhood’s remarkable renaissance will hopefully accelerate even further with the move of the New York Cosmos to MCU Park,” said Borough President Eric Adams.

“The New York Cosmos are back where they belong: New York City,” said Councilmember Vincent Gentile.  “Cementing themselves in Brooklyn at MCU Park in Coney Island with a passionate fan base dating back to the 1970s, the Cosmos will attract soccer fans and casual fans of the beautiful game alike.”

“Coney Island and the Cosmos are a perfect fit,” added New York City Councilmember Mark Treyger.  “I welcome the Cosmos to MCU Park and back to New York City, and look forward to seeing a whole new generation enjoy one of our city’s legendary sports clubs.”

Season ticket membership packages for the upcoming 2017 season at MCU Park will go on sale Friday, February 3. For more information, visit www.nycosmos.com.

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