New York Cosmos Uncertain Future
The future of the prestigious New York Cosmos remains uncertain as the NASL is experiencing a series of changes as teams part ways with the league for the 2017 season. The NASL is holding league meetings over the next two days, with the decision of the Cosmos future surely to follow.
NASL Soccer News: The success of the New York Cosmos on the pitch is unquestioned. The Cosmos have claimed three of the last four Soccer Bowl (NASL Championship) titles, as well as the North American Supporters’ Trophy over the past two seasons.
The Cosmos also enjoyed success in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, recording a win over Major League Soccer’s New York City FC for the second consecutive year.
However, supporters Monday were hit with a shocking turn of events as reports surfaced that the team had gone through a series of cost-cutting moves, including front office furloughs, delays in payroll and the release of players.
According to CEO Seamus O’Brien, the Cosmos are waiting on the outcome of the planned league meetings held over the next two days before jumping to conclusions about its future. The NASL is currently under scrutiny about the direction of the league as many reporters and fans now speculate the end of their beloved Cosmos could be coming to an end as a result of it.
An anonymous Cosmos source told WFAN.com on Monday that the rumors of the team dissolving have been blown out of proportion.
“Are they going to close up shop and go away?” the unidentified source discussed. “I think that is highly, highly unlikely. That’s not going to happen. This is not the death of the Cosmos after all. It’s not a case of the Cosmos disappearing and going away. It’s a case of what’s the next move. It’s not another 30-year hiatus. That’s not happening.”
With the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury FC withdrawing from the NASL to join the United Soccer League (USL) and Minnesota United joining the MLS for the 2017 season, the validity and future of the once prestigious league remains in question.
The NASL will consist of 11 teams for the 2017 season as expansion side San Francisco Deltas that are scheduled to begin play next campaign.
However, with Miami FC, Rayo OKC and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers experiencing financial difficulties, the NASL could be shrinking down to as few as seven or eight clubs.
The dilemma remains if the Cosmos are willing to compete in a league of that size. The options are limited for New York, but the decision will have to wait until the coming days.
Photo Credit: North American Soccer League
