Former NPSL Star Salvatore Barone Signs For NY Cosmos – Homegrown Talent Rises to Pro Level
The NASL and NPSL are dedicated to developing soccer players who can reach the highest level. As many players strive to reach the next steps of their career, the opportunity to remain on the pitch at the semi-professional has grown the game across the United States.
With many former college athletes taking their skills to their local NPSL clubs, the league remains the groundwork that makes development possible for many aspiring soccer players.
Soccer News: The path from amateur to the professional ranks remains a mysterious puzzle that many aspiring players are still attempting to solve. As players conclude their collegiate career, the next chapter is not always in the vision of an athlete that is still growing on the pitch.
Today, the United States consists of several semi-professional/amateur leagues that reach across all regions for these individuals. The organizations provide players with an opportunity to remain on the field as they seek a career beyond the college level.
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) kicked off its inaugural season in 2003 and and now fields under 100 teams. During the league’s growth, players continue to showcase their talents as they aspire to reach the next level of professional soccer.
Salvatore Barone is among these players still searching for the lights of MLS. After spending one season in the NPSL, Barone signed in March, 2017 to play for the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League (NASL).
Barone was born in December, 1995 in Brooklyn, New York and weighs in at 150 pounds and 5’7″.
“Salvatore had the opportunity to train with the senior team during our 2017 preseason,” said NY Cosmos Head Coach and Sporting Director, Giovanni Savarese. “As an organization, we constantly try to develop young local talent and we feel pleased to have Sal join this year’s squad.”
The midfielder played with the Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) in 2016 and scored two goals. He is the son of Joe Barone, Brooklyn Italians club manager and NPSL Chairman of the Board.
“Playing in the NPSL was a great learning experience and really prepared me for becoming a professional soccer player,” said Salvatore Barone. “I am passionate about playing soccer and becoming a pro has been my dream. Playing for the New York Cosmos — being on the same team that Pele played for — is amazing.”
The former St. Francis College soccer star helped the Terriers hoist the Northeast Conference title and earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament during his senior year. Salvatore was a First Team All-Northeast Conference pick after scoring five goals (two game-winners) and assisting on two others during SFC’s drive to the NEC title.
“Coach Savarese has been great and I already feel as if I am growing as a player,” said the young Barone. “Soccer has been a part of my family for generations and I want to make my family proud — right now, I am going to focus on learning as much as I can and doing whatever I can to help my team.”
The Brooklyn Italians remain a vital organization in the region, with its partnership with the Cosmos opening the door for players like Barone.
The 21-year-old is in good hands as he takes this next step of his soccer career with an organization dedicated to success. The Cosmos claimed back-to-back NASL Championships during the last two seasons as they welcome back many veterans and young, talented players in 2017.
Homegrown players — that is the ideal we all strive for — and the NPSL can be proud of developing numerous homegrown talent that has graduated to the ranks of pro soccer on both sides of the Atlantic.
Photo credit: The New York Cosmos
