NPSL SPOTLIGHT: NEW YORK COSMOS B

SoccerToday NPSL Spotlight Series

The soccer scene has been exploding and the sport’s popularity increasing substantially. The National Premier Soccer League – NPSL for short – is the country’s largest amateur soccer league with 80 teams competing in 2016. SoccerToday’s special coverage on the this 4th Division of the U.S. Soccer pyramid, gives soccer fans a glimpse into the life of the teams. Just so you know, NPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Soccer Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and some NPSL teams have performed very well.  NPSL is affiliated with both the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA).

The New York Cosmos B were founded and began play in 2015 as the reserve team of the New York Cosmos. Assistant coach, John Fitzgerald, also serves as Director of the NY Cosmos Training and Development Program.

The New York Cosmos B placed first in the North East Region’s North Atlantic Conference and are the 2015 Champions of the Regional and National Playoffs for the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).

Head Coach Alecko Eskandarian was the assistant coach for the senior squad prior to expansion. Check out what Eskandarian has to say about his NPSL Team.

Diane Scavuzzo: Do you feel that NPSL is doing a good job with the challenges of amateur / pro men’s soccer?

Alecko Eskandarian: Yes, I believe the NPSL has provided an opportunity for aspiring professional soccer players to showcase their talents and learn what it takes to make it to the next level. It’s important for younger players to have an additional avenue to help them pursue a professional career and to continue developing.

Diane Scavuzzo: NPSL has teams in over 70 markets across the country – is your area in need of more competition or are you concerned about future expansion?

Alecko Eskandarian: The more, the better. Competition brings out the best in those who are ready to make the jump to the next level. There are a lot of untapped markets in this country with talented players who are looking for an opportunity.

Diane Scavuzzo: Being a reserve team for a North American Soccer League (NASL) club – do you think you have an advantage?

Alecko Eskandarian: In some ways we have an advantage and in some way we have a disadvantage. It’s a very tricky slope to maneuver around but the professionalism we asked our players to work with is what allowed it to work.

Diane Scavuzzo: Would you like to see European style promotion and relegation exist in the USA?

Alecko Eskandarian: I would, but only if it made sense on all fronts to allow the sport of soccer to continue growing to new heights in the US.

Diane Scavuzzo: Who do you believe is your biggest rival?

Alecko Eskandarian: In all honesty, I have the mentality that every team is our rival. If you feel like you can try harder against certain teams than others, there is something wrong. A soccer career is not long and it’s important to place the same emphasis on individual and collective performances each time one steps on the field.

Diane Scavuzzo: What are your goals for 2016?

Alecko Eskandarian:My goal personally is to continue developing as a coach, and professionally to put my teams in a position to develop and succeed each time they play.

Related Articles: NPSL Spotlight: Myrtle Beach Mutiny, NPSL Spotlight: Virginia Beach City FC