U.S. Soccer: Why the New York Cosmos Must Be the 20th Team in the MLS

The New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League were the most successful and most famous team in American soccer history.Founded in 1971, the Cosmos dominated the competition in their heyday, winning five titles and making the playoffs virtually every year. They regularly beat up on teams 5-0 and put on a show for the 70,000 plus people who packed Giants Stadium.  The atmosphere was incredible for each game, with fans showing up hours before the game to tailgate in the Giants Stadium parking lot.Millionaire and president of the Cosmos Steve Ross went to great lengths to put together a star-studded team every year. He broke the bank for Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto, Giorgio Chinaglia, and many other world-class soccer players. He helped put the Cosmos on the map with his bold acquisitions, and did all he could to make soccer the most popular sport in New York.Former-goalkeeper Shep Messing to this day says that the Cosmos were more famous than the Yankees during the ‘70s. Pele and company were often seen partying with rock stars like Mick Jagger in New York City clubs. The team was a circus, but it didn’t matter because they won games.Eventually the ...

New York Red Bulls Get Revenge on San Jose Earthquakes

The Red Bulls were left seeing red last November after the San Jose Earthquakes shocked them in front of a sell-out Red Bull Arena in leg two of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. The Red Bulls had a 1-0 lead going into the second game in New Jersey, but San Jose erupted for three goals and ended New York’s hopes of winning their first MLS Cup in 2010. The Red Bulls had to wait five months to get their revenge, but it was well worth the wait as New York took out all of their anger and frustration Saturday night with an impressive 3-0 victory. Despite the torrential downpour, heavy wind, and slick conditions, the Red Bulls performed as though the treacherous weather had no affect on them one what-so-ever. 14,308 braved the elements and had a lot to celebrate in a game dominated by the Red Bulls. New York enjoyed 60 percent of the possession, took a total of 16 shots, and gave up only three shots on goal. 2010 MLS Golden Boot Winner, Chris Wondolowski was shut down as was the rest of the Earthquakes due to some great defense by New York’s back four.The Red Bulls were sharp for the duration ...