If you're a Cosmos fan who lives in the Tri-State area and have questions about the New York Cosmos, then I suggest you attend the "Q&A with the New York Cosmos." hosted by the Borough Boys Supporters Club.

The event will take place at Legends Bar NYC on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011 at 7PM.

If you're unable to attend, Cosmos fans will have the opportunity to email and twitter their questions directly to the Borough Boys SC during the Q&A session with the members of the New York Cosmos front office. Please take into consideration that Borough Boys members in attendance will be first priority in asking their questions.

So who are the Borough Boys SC? As stated in their website, BoroughBoysNYC.com:

"Founded November 17th, 2007, by Nick Laveglia and Paul Morabito, the Borough Boys are a group of supporters who want to see a New York City team in Major League Soccer. The idea did not come out of nowhere, as there have been rumors that the Wilpon family, owners of the New York Mets Baseball team, are interested in building a Soccer Specific Stadium in the Queens area."

"The Borough Boys were formed to be a supporter's club for a NYC professional soccer team. Our City boasts more soccer fans than any other city in the United States and yet we are not represented on the professional level. We have huge numbers of soccer fans who come from every continent on the globe, and we therefore believe that a professional New York City soccer club would be the most successful and most exciting in the United States. As the official supporter's club for the nascent team, the Borough Boys' primary mission is to help make this team a reality."

Years before the New York Cosmos was considered a serious contender in becoming the 20th team in Major League Soccer, the Borough Boys already had members and were in existence.

Before Pelé announced the return of the New York Cosmos during the halftime of last year's Copa NYC finale, the Borough Boys SC were already in existence. And before diehard Cosmos fans ever heard of New York Cosmos Chairman and CEO Paul Kemsley, the Borough Boys were already...what? In existence...

Since Pelé's announcement, Borough Boys' President Nick Laveglia has been in direct contact with the New York Cosmos front office. If anyone has and will continue to explain to the Front Office what New Yorkers want and expect from their beloved soccer club, it's him.

For more information about joining the Borough Boys or simply following them with their latest updates of the NY Cosmos, you may do so on the supporters club's 5 Point Press media outlets: This is Cosmos Country, Facebook & Twitter.

While I may write interesting stories about the New York Cosmos History and have direct contact with the organization's front office, I have no reservation in admitting that the 5 Point Press is where I go for my NY Cosmos news, because they address the issues/concerns many New York Cosmos fans have.

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for Latino Sports. You may follow him on Facebook at Covering Soccer and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer and @LatinoSports143. Please email your questions and comments to Cesar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Position in 2010: 16th Overall, 8th in Eastern Conference

Key Additions: Charlie Davies, Dax McCarty, Perry Kitchen, Joseph Ngwenya, Josh Wolff

Key Losses: Danny Allsopp, Julius James, Jaime Moreno, Troy Perkins

Outlook: People have been treating the United's underachieving over the past three years as something rather unprecedented. In fact, the club had a bit of a swoon following their "golden era" from 1996–99.

The club recycled through coaches hoping to find the right blend. Pitor Nowak managed to do that in 2004 and give the club their first Cup title since 1999.

Subsequently, the second golden era came, with a run to the CONCACAF semifinals, two consecutive Supporters Shields and another U.S. Open Cup title.

Since then, the United hit a tack in the road and have crashed in disastrous fashion.

Ben Olsen has to overhaul this club, and the management has shown an intensifying gutting of the squad.

The club has removed many international faces and brought in a core group of players who have proven themselves in MLS: Dax McCarty, Joseph Ngwenya and Josh Wolff.

Perhaps the most ambitious addition has to be Charlie Davies, who joined the club on a one-year loan deal from FC Sochuax. 

Add the rising of Blake Brettschneider to the mix, as well as the return of Chris Pontius, and the United now bolster a menacing mix of attacking power.

If all gels right, this young talent could be poised to have one of the deepest and strongest offenses in the entire league.

The questions remain in the backline, which still looks somewhat frail. For the most part, not a whole lot has changed, other than the arrival of Uruguayan defender Rodrigo Brasesco.

He joins the club on loan from Montevideo, as well as recent prospect Perry Kitchen, who was the club's third overall pick in the SuperDraft this past January.

Prediction: 10th Overall, 4th in Eastern Conference

Even with a humbled fan base, the United will not dwell in the cellar at all this season. In fact, they'll spend a majority of their 2011 campaign as a fringe team, having a compelling race against clubs like the Whitecaps and Union for the final playoff spots.

It's going to be close, but thanks to MLS expanding its playoff size from eight to 10 teams, the United will sneak in at the last minute, and grab a final playoff spot.

However, in spite of the new-found tradition of weaker wild-card teams going on to win MLS Cup altogether, do not expect the young, inexperienced United to get past the play-in round.

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In the franchise’s second season, the Seattle Sounders proved that their great 2009 season was no fluke and that this team was a true contender. They didn’t improve on their first-year campaign despite all of the preseason buzz.

The team won its second consecutive U.S. Open Cup, the first club to do so since 1983. However, they couldn’t escape the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs for the second straight time.

The season was salvaged after the team started off to a disappointing record of 4-8-3. Over the team’s final 15 games, the Sounders only lost twice.

The biggest addition to last year’s squad didn’t come from a trade or transfer. Instead, the Sounders will be glad to have defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado return to the lineup after spending the majority of last season on the disabled list.

A valuable piece, Hurtado’s presence should solidify the back line and give the team a bit more presence. What was a huge strength in 2009 dipped in form in 2010. The Sounders gave up the most goals out of all eight playoff teams (35). Hurtado should help them get back to form.

Even more discouraging for Seattle was the offense. Seattle scored 39 goals last season, seventh in the league. Four of the five other playoff teams from the Western Conference—including all three that finished ahead of Seattle—scored more goals than they did. Adding insult to injury was the fact that former Sounder Sebastian Le Toux scored 14 goals with the Philadelphia Union.

Again, the Sounders are hoping an entire season from one of their own players helps the cause. After joining the team after the World Cup last season, designated player Blaise Nkufo scored five goals in 11 games and became the first player in the club’s MLS existence to score a hat trick.

Adding him to the ever dangerous Fredy Montero and Steve Zakuani for a whole season should improve the offense. That being said, the three have had to work a lot of kinks out this preseason, failing to score up until the final game, when Montero scored twice.

That, for now, leaves the midfield as the dependable unit. Alvaro Fernandez, another designated player signing that joined the club after the World Cup, will lead the way in his first full MLS season. He is joined by Osvaldo Alonso and Brad Evans, two players that, while unsung, have been crucial to the team’s stability and success. 

The midfield unit will be rounded out by rookie Michael Tettah and Swedish signing Erik Friberg.

The biggest question coming into this season will be what kind of depth the Sounders will have.

The team lost defenders Tyrone Marshall and Nate Sturgis and midfielders Peter Vagenas and Sanna Nyassi—who scored both goals in the U.S. Open Cup final victory. It is a difficult time to lose guys who have contributed to the team with an upcoming appearance in the CONCACAF Champions League to go with MLS and Open Cup play.

There is also a sense of urgency to make the most of the team’s talents before Nkufo and goalkeeper Kasey Keller, one of the best Americans to ever play the position, retire at the end of the season.

Seattle seems to be relying on the lack of drama from former DP Freddie Ljungberg and whether he will stay or go, as well as getting full seasons of production from Hurtado, Nkufo and Fernandez. They have a smart ownership group and have made smart in-season signings, so Seattle should have enough to get through the beginning of the season.

With a loaded schedule, though, will the team be able to stay healthy?

It’s hard to imagine Seattle not making the playoffs for a third straight season, but can they get past the first round?

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Down go the Bruins...

On Wednesday, Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy completed their final tune-up game, a 2-1 victory over the UCLA Bruins.

Juninho, who is looking to build on his first year with the club on loan from Sao Paulo FC, opened up the scoring in the 22nd minute on an unassisted goal.

In the 50th minute, expected starter Juan Pablo Angel sent in a delivery to Chad Barrett, who then played a through ball to Galaxy team captain Landon Donovan to make it 2-0.

UCLA made things interesting in the 55th minute to cut the lead to 2-1, but backup goalkeeper Josh Saunders did a good job in fending off any forthcoming threats from the Bruins.

“As far as the way we move, the way we’re passing, the way we’re defending, we’re there,” Donovan said after the match. “We just need to get a little fitter and that’s going to take a little bit longer. You need a real game of 90 minutes before you can get that final piece of fitness.”

Angel also believed more work needed to be done in terms of building a connection with Barrett.

“We’re working on it,” Ángel said. “It takes time to build a partnership. Hopefully, throughout the year, we’ll get to find that understanding. [Barrett]’s a strong guy. He’s a handful and he can score goals and he can run forever.

"It’s about mixing it up and making sure we offer our best abilities to the team so they can benefit from it."

Angel also noted the importance of building chemistry with Donovan and midfielder David Beckham as the 2011 Major League Soccer season draws near.

“[Donovan and Beckham are] quality players," he said. "In order for them to get to offer us their individual ability, we’re going to try and play together as a team, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

LA's guardian Angel?

It's a bit of a stretch to say that Juan Pablo Angel is a godsend for the ball club. But manager Bruce Arena was quick to say otherwise.

“If we did, we wouldn’t have brought him in,” Arena said.

Donovan admitted that he also didn't have any worries about Angel's transition to his new club.

“On the guy who’s scored more goals in our league over the last four years than anyone?” Donovan said with a smug expression. “No. I was pretty excited when I found out he was coming.”

“It makes it easier for you, someone that knows you and knows how to treat you,” Angel said of Arena. “First of all, it was an honor to be contacted by them and by Bruce.

"I’m delighted to be here, hoping this is going to be a good year for us, this organization and me individually. Arguably, this is the best organization in the league.”

Arena expects big things from the Colombian international when their campaign starts on March 15 against the Seattle Sounders.

“He’s done well,” Arena said. “He’s brought very good professionalism to our team.”

And for Angel, it's only a matter of time before he regains his wings.

“So far, it’s been good,” Angel said. “They have a good core of players here that have been together for a number of years. With David (Beckham) and Landon, they’re quality players and we have to play well as a team. It’s important as a unit we play well to help those players do what they’re good at.

“Hopefully with the new additions we can adjust as soon as possible and contribute to what hopefully will be a good year for us. It’s going to be extremely busy with a lot of games and a number of competitions, and we have to be ready for it.”

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The Los Angeles Galaxy's 2010 quest for the MLS Cup ended at the Home Depot Center, where they fell to FC Dallas in the Western Conference Championship to the tune of 3-0. The bitter taste lingered in the lips of Bruce Arena's club, and it was the bitterness that drives this team for a big season in 2011.

They begin their Major League Soccer campaign on Mar. 15 at Qwest Field against an opponent that they have been for the most part successful against, the Seattle Sounders.

The Galaxy will rely on the power trio of team captain Landon Donovan, forward Juan Pablo Angel and midfielder David Beckham to establish scoring continuity after Edson Buddle took a chance overseas.

Angel scored 13 goals for the New York Red Bulls last season. Donovan finished last year with the most assists, recording 16. Beckham only returned to the pitch in September of 2010 after suffering a torn Achilles. Chad Barrett adds scoring depth to this combination.

Newcomers Miguel Lopez and Paolo Cardozo have impressed the coaching staff during preseason. Watch for these two Argentineans to hone their potential in the midfield, taking slack off Chris Birchall and Mike Magee.

Defensively, the Galaxy will need a solid performance from the back four of A.J. DeLaGarza, Omar Gonzalez, Sean Franklin and Todd Dunivant. Goalkeeper of the Year Donovan Ricketts returns, as well as backup Josh Saunders.

Last season, Ricketts finished with an 18-7-4 record and a 0.90 goals against average to go with 11 shutouts.

Los Angeles finished 18-7-5 (59 points) to win their third MLS Supporters' Shield.

Sigi Schmid's Sounders, the two-time defending U.S. Open Cup Champions, finished 14-10-6 (48 points) and were eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals by LA last season.

Returning to the fold for Seattle are forwards Fredy Montero, Blaise Nkufo and Steve Zakuani. Montero recorded 10 goals and 10 assists last year while Zakuani added 10 more to pace the Sounders.

After suffering a season-ending injury last season, Colombian forward Jhon Kennedy Hurtado will look to make amends against the G's.

Goalkeeper Kasey Keller finished 2010 with a 14-10-5 record, a 1.15 GAA and 11 shutouts.

If the likes of midfielders Osvaldo Alonso and Alvaro Fernandez can feed the ball to Seattle's potent trio of attackers, the futility against the Galaxy may end on MLS FirstKick 2011.

Defensively, Leo Gonzalez, James Riley, Tyson Wahl and Patrick Ianni may have a difficult assignment in breaking down Angel, Beckham and Donovan.

The Galaxy's only preseason contest came against Club Tijuana, which was a 2-2 draw before the match was decided on penalties, a 4-3 defeat for LA. The G's will look to get back on the winning track and end a three-match losing streak dating back to the Dallas defeat last season which includes a friendly defeat to Newcastle Jets in November.

Prediction

The winless streak will end, but the Galaxy will find this season to be a bit tougher than meets the eye. A draw should kick things off for LA and Seattle.

Los Angeles Galaxy 2, Seattle Sounders 2

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“They say life's what happens when you're busy making other plans. But sometimes in New York, life is what happens when you're waiting for a table.”—Carrie Bradshaw; Sex and the City

One thing I love and appreciate about living in New York City are the diners. Along with the diversity of it's patrons and staff, the beautiful thing about diners is the no thrill no frills philosophy. It's the one place where I go to understand the rhythm of the city and it's people. It's also the place where one finds information that you'll never find anywhere else.

As a writer who covers soccer, diners have been my invaluable resource. No matter the time of day/night, there's always someone who I can talk too about soccer. Over the years, the soccer history (both locally & globally) that I've learned has given me a better understanding of the game and the impact it has in people's lives.

In the case of the New York Cosmos, I regularly talk with their older fans. These are the fans who were with the team from the beginning till the end. During our conversations, I give them an update of the organization while giving them a copy of my recent Cosmos article. In exchange, I get to hear the memories of the Cosmos and the impact the team had on their lives.

Recently, I was having my usual blueberry pie and coffee at one of my favorite diners, and the manager there informed me that his doctor, Dr. John L. Xethalis, M.D., was the Team Doctor of the New York Cosmos. Without missing a beat, he provided me with Dr. Xethalis' information and suggested that I should contact him.

Fueled with enthusiasm and amazement, I emailed my contacts from the New York Cosmos that evening, informed them of my potential interview and asked if they had any questions for Dr. Xethalis. The next day I received their questions and from there I went to Dr. Xethalis office.

Entering his waiting room, I immediately saw four New York Cosmos photos. After briefly talking with his Administrative Assistant, she introduced me to the good doctor. In less than 90 seconds from our introduction, Dr. Xethalis agreed to be interviewed. He told me to return in 45 minutes and here's the interview:

How did you get involved with the New York Cosmos?

The Cosmos has employed the Institute of Sports Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital to cover the team's medical injuries. At the time, I was an attendee and because I was coming from Greece and soccer being popular there, I took control of the team's medical care.

How long were you the Team's Doctor?

For about 5-6 years until they folded...

How was being the Cosmos Team Doctor different from your regular practice?

They were world-renowned players. You had Beckenbauer from Germany, Neeskens from Holland, Chinaglia from Italy, Carlos Alberto from Brazil and of course Pelé (who was already retired from the team).

What was your favorite memory of the New York Cosmos?

The friendship between the players and the enthusiasm of the crowd. The international crowd that we attracted...South Americans, Italians, Greeks, Turks, Brazilians, and Argentinians.

Who you consider to be have been the toughest opponents of the New York Cosmos?

The National Team of Argentina and their Argentinian fans. It was the only time that I felt the Meadowlands was not our home. We were afraid to get into the field because the fans made it feel like we were in Buenos Aires. The Argentinian fans overpowered us and it was an unbelievable experience. I was 30 minutes late to game because it seemed as if the entire Argentinian community in New York went to the game.

Worst injury you've dealt with?

ACL injuries were horrible but the worst injury was when Roberto Cabanas, the Cosmos talented forward suffered a forearm injury...horrific.

Most health-conscious athlete?

Franz Beckenbauer who I consider the true "Aristocrat" of the New York Cosmos. He was very religious with his stretching exercises. His diet was fantastic and I would always tell the younger players that if they took care of their body like Beckenbauer...they would be ahead.

Player with the most interesting philosophy on health?

Vladislav Bogicevic from Yugoslavia. He was an excellent player that Rudolf Nureyev, the ballet dancer enjoyed watching him and Beckenbauer play because he considered them to be ballet dancers who gracefully played soccer.

Which player(s) was most definitely built for soccer?

Definitely Pelé...Julio Cesar Romero was another player because he would run for 2-3 hours and he never got tired. He was an unbelievable as he outran everyone. Another player is Johan Neeskens. He is one player who always gave it 120%. He would lose 5-6 lbs a game.

Who did you consider to be the most intelligent player(s) on the team?

Beckenbauer, Pelé, Carlos Alberto, and Neeskens. Beckenbauer as I stated earlier was the "Artistocrat" of the team who I believed lead by example. Pelé had a fantastic memory and it's amazing how he remembered the people he's interacted with in the past. Not once in my presence that he appeared to have forgotten an individual and their name.

Carlos Alberto was an intelligent player who played injured but he was so smart at positioning himself that he didn't show it. However, since I was his doctor, I knew the amount of pain he was in and how severe was his injury. Neeskens was the only individual I knew who analyzed the game from so many different angles. He was also the only one could explain the game to Steve Ross without confusing him.

Did you ever treat any of the players for a hangover?

Yes, during Spring Training at the Bahamas. Many times we had players who were hungover. I will not mention any names but many of them...many of them...

How was preseason in the Caribbean?

It was nice. We stayed at a first class hotel. We practiced in the morning and afternoon, and ate a nice healthy meal in between. I would bring my wife and children for company. At the end of Spring Training we played the National Team of Bahamas. We also had lunch with the island's government leaders.

Ironically, this was also the scariest trip I ever took. We flew to the Bahamas in a jet. Coming back, we're in a propeller airplane. We hit this big storm and the plane is really shaking. At one moment, I'm sitting next to Giorgio Chinaglia and he says, "Dr. X, we are on the Bermuda Triangle and last year one of the girls who worked Public Relations for hotel died as her plane went down." That was the scariest thing I've ever heard.

How was Steve Ross?

Steve Ross was one of the most fascinating and talented man I've ever met in my life. He introduced me to a lot of good things including expensive wines. Every time we would go out, he'll order a very expensive bottle of wine. He was a good owner who was friendly with everybody and he made people give 100% of their efforts.

How were the managers like?

They were fine...you have to understand that the Cosmos coaching position was a glamorous position to have and Steve Ross was a guy who didn't want to lose. So he would always try to find somebody better to give him more victories.

Did you ever party with the Team?

Oh yeah...two of my best vacations were in 1981 & 1982 when we played for the Soccer Bowl Championship. During this time (1980 - 1982), the Cosmos had reached the Soccer Bowl three times. We won two of the three Soccer Bowls and as a result, I own two Soccer Bowl rings which I leave for my sons. If you were part of the Cosmos, you were always entertained first class.

Cesar, I'm surprised that you haven't asked me about my favorite Cosmos player, Pelé...

I wasn't sure if you wanted to hear the question but since you mentioned it...How was Pelé?

As his doctor, I've operated on Pelé four times and I still see he him twice a year. To this day, he still calls me "Medical."

Pelé, I would say is the most proper human being to become famous because he enjoyed meeting fans and was very good with the Press. He had this talent of making people feel important. If someone (fan/reporter) would ask him a question, he's heard 1000 times before, he would look at him/her with his beautiful eyes and kindly answer their question.

When we went to Toronto for the Soccer Bowl, I took my children and my maid, Gloria, to the Soccer Bowl. My wife, Martha, was ill and unable to make the trip. Pelé was there with 100 reporters and he took a moment to take a photo with Gloria and he ended up relieving Gloria for a few hours by watching my children. He knew my wife was sick and Gloria was doing a marvelous job watching my children.

That's how good Pelé is, a down to Earth guy...unbelievable...

This concludes my interview with Dr. Xethalis and what a fantastic experience! While he may have never scored a goal or recorded an assist for the Cosmos, he was and is still part of the New York Cosmos.

While many of us may know the New York Cosmos history, I'm enjoying and consider myself fortunate that I'm learning the People's History of the New York Cosmos. Without their stories and recollections of the New York Cosmos, none of this would be possible.

So my thanks goes out to my friend, the diner manager for making this interview possible. In addition, I want to thank the New York Cosmos for giving me their questions. Plus, I want to point out and be clear that I always appreciate their offer to assist me in any way possible whenever I'm working on a New York Cosmos article. 

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for Latino Sports. You may follow him on Facebook at Covering Soccer and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer and @LatinoSports143. Please email your questions and comments to Cesar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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At the Los Angeles Galaxy training camp, Bruce Arena's men were itching for the fight, even though the team has a week to go before its season opener with the Seattle Sounders.

“The anticipation is building. You could really tell that today,” said Galaxy forward Chad Barrett. “He was yelling at us right from the get-go, from the very first pass.

“It really woke me up and I know it woke a couple of other guys up and got training going. I like that. It just shows you straight from the top it’s time to go.”

For Barrett, he embraced the opportunity to challenge Juan Pablo Angel for one of the starting forward positions.

“The competition is great,” said Barrett, who scored seven goals with Toronto FC in 2010. “In Toronto, we didn’t have much of an issue because we were so thin up front, but here? Maybe two starting spots up top and spots all over the field? That competition means the team is going to be that much better.”

No pity is needed for Barrett, who understands that self-criticism will need to be cast aside for the good of his new team.

“I’m still very hard on myself, but it’s gotten better,” Barrett said. “I still do it in practice, but you won’t see that in a game anymore. I wait until after the game to have my own pity party now.

“You have to earn your spot, day-in and day-out. I know that.”

“I think it’s time to get on and just play,” Arena said Monday after training. “There’s only so much of this (training) you could be doing. I think we’ve had enough; we might as well get on to league matters and win some games.”

The manager, overall, was pleased with the progress of his team, but much work needed to be done.

“I think we’re moving along,” Arena said. “I think we’re not any different than a lot of teams in the league that have a lot of unknowns at this point. We’re starting a little bit earlier than most of the teams, and it’s pushed us a little quicker to be ready.

“I think we’re moving along OK, but we’re going to find out, right?”

Team captain Landon Donovan took some positives from its 2-2 draw to Club Tijuana last week which ended in a 4-3 defeat on penalties.

“It was a really good test for us,” Donovan said. “We found out for about 65 or 70 minutes we were pretty good, then we got tired. We’re in our final stretches of getting fitness down, and I think by Tuesday we’ll be ready.”

The enthusiasm from the No. 10 was apparent on Donovan's face.

“It was fun to play under the lights again and put the real jersey on,” Donovan said. “Thinking about it, it’s been over three months since we last did that, and I don’t think I’ve ever had that long a stretch without playing a real game.

“We’re close. If we can get closer to 90 minutes fit by Tuesday, I think we’ll be in a good shape.”

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In the late 1970s, it was Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto and Giorgio Chinaglia who were helping the New York Cosmos become the hottest sports ticket in North America.

Giants Stadium would regularly sell out its 77,000 tickets, celebrities would flock to the games, fans in opposing cites turned out in droves and uttering the simple words, "I'm with the Cosmos" could get you past any velvet rope in Manhattan.

The New York Cosmos were not only the flagship team of the North American Soccer League, but they transcended the sport internationally and domestically before it all came crashing down in 1985.

But now, the Cosmos are back.

They do not have a team or a stadium yet, but they do have famous names once again to represent the famous white and green uniforms.

Pele is returning to the organization as Honorary President, and Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, who has turned down numerous opportunities to return to soccer since his retirement in 1997, joins the club as the Director of Soccer. Working alongside Cantona as part of the soccer personnel structure is American Cobi Jones, a veteran of over 300 MLS games and 164 caps for the US National team.

A structure is in place for the Cosmos to return to their throne atop the American soccer hierarchy, but they cannot do it without a team or a league to play in.

MLS commissioner Don Garber has publicly said on numerous occasions he hopes the league's 20th franchise will be in New York, despite competition from cities like Atlanta, Miami, St Louis, Ottawa, San Diego and more. With Montreal joining the league in 2012, a 20th franchise extension would likely join in 2013.

If and when a 20th franchise is announced in New York, there is still no guarantee it would be the Cosmos, but they certainly seam to make the most sense.

With the Cosmos' brief but explosive soccer history in this country and international superstars already with the organization, they have an advantage in securing a fan base as well as national and international merchandising appeal.

In the 1970s, the North American Soccer League needed the Cosmos to break soccer into the mainstream and be the league's flagship team.

Major League Soccer, however, does not.

While some outdated and ignorant members of the American sports media will tell you that soccer will never be relevant in this country, there are now over 18 million kids registered to American youth soccer leagues, the World Cup attracted higher ratings that the World Series, and the average attendances at Major League Soccer games are now catching up to (and even surpassing in some markets) those at NBA and NHL games.

Soccer is relevant in the USA, with or without the Cosmos. That's not to say they couldn't add to the groundwork they in fact started four decades ago.

This time around, not only would the Cosmos be facing competition for fan dollars from not only the other nine professional sports teams already in the New York market, but the other soccer team already here as well.

The New York Red Bulls have turned around from the worst team in the league to become one of the biggest and internationally recognized clubs in the league.

The Red Bulls turnaround was thanks primarily to their magnificent new stadium, Red Bull Arena, as well as signing of marquee players Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez.

Even if the Cosmos were able to recreate this with their own franchise, would there be enough demand in New York City to warrant two teams?

The Red Bulls front office has stated they believe a second New York team would be mutually beneficial for both organizations, as the rivalry created within the city would force extra members of the sports media, as well as sports fans, to take notice.

Attendances would be unlikely to take a hit, as the majority of Red Bulls fans travel from Northern New Jersey where the club is based, and a second New York team would likely be based in Queens and draw supporters from the city and Long Island.

If anything, the buzz created by having two rival teams in the city would likely increase attendances at Red Bull Arena, which averaged around 21,000 post-Henry last season.

The reason the Red Bulls were able to make this turnaround with a new stadium and star players was because of its owners, Red Bull GmbH, the multi-billion dollar energy drink manufacturers who have been willing to pump their cash into the franchise.

If the Cosmos hope to be as relevant as they once were in this town, they would need similar financial backing.

For a while, there was a heavy rumor that New York Mets owner Fred Wilpon was in talks about possibly taking over a soccer franchise and basing it in Queens near Citi Field. However, his involvement with Bernie Madoff and his Ponzi scheme may see him lose the ownership of the Mets and in turn, make his involvement with an MLS team even more unlikely.

Needless to say, land in New York is not cheap, and the money will need to come from somewhere to secure a new home for the Cosmos. With Red Bull Arena setting the benchmark for American soccer stadiums, a new Cosmos stadium would need to be just as impressive if the two clubs are indeed going to become new rivals.

Money will also be needed to ensure a caliber of team worthy to wear the Cosmos uniform.

While there is a salary cap in Major League Soccer, there are creative ways around it, and Designated Players don't come cheap. Eric Cantona and Pele should be able to help lure some of the worlds big names into New York, while Cobi Jones will be providing essential knowledge into the intricacies of the MLS compared to other world leagues (the draft, salary cap, waivers and so forth).

If and when the Cosmos do return to professional soccer, they will do so with a solid starting point of a recognized brand, superstar ambassadors and an already established academy system.

While this is a good starting point, there is still much to be done to assure the Cosmos recapture the magic they had in the 1970s. A good financial backing, new stadium, new manager, and of course, a team.

This is not a franchise that can be approached half-hearted. Only the best will do.

And the Cosmos returning to their glorious best could be another huge stepping stone in establishing soccer as a major sport in the United States.

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The 2010 season was another year the Los Angeles Galaxy fell short.

Again with one of the most loaded teams in the league, the Galaxy was the top-seed in the Western Conference for the second consecutive season and won the Supporter’s Shield. However, they were bounced in the semifinals of the MLS Cup playoffs.

It appears management won’t settle for anything short of the franchise’s third championship, so the team brought in several big-name acquisitions over the offseason.

The team was dealt a rather large blow when breakout star and 2010 leading goal scorer Edson Buddle left Los Angeles for Germany. Who would pick up the goal scoring slack?

The organization acted quickly in not only replacing Buddle, but improving its entire stable of forwards. The Galaxy traded for Adam Cristman and Chad Barrett and acquired Designated Player Juan Pablo Angel—the New York Red Bulls’ all-time leading goal scorer—in the Re-Entry draft.

Angel may be 35-years-old and have some injuries that have bothered him in recent years, but he still was New York’s leading goal scorer not only last season, but all four years he was with the franchise. He is deadly as a penalty-kick taker.

Barrett is a nice-pickup for the squad. He’s only 25-years-old and put together a few solid seasons with Toronto FC and the Chicago Fire. With more experience and a better supporting cast to serve him up top, Barrett could be in store for a big year stat-wise.

The defense also got a new addition this year, adding Frankie Hejduk through the Re-Entry draft. He’s 36-years-old and hasn’t been relied on by the Columbus Crew or the U.S. National Team recently like he was in years past, but he can still play. He should help solidify the backline as well as continue to help young defensive standouts Omar Gonzalez and Sean Franklin mature.

The front office has done extremely well drafting players the past few years and has a good mix of youth and experience on the roster. Make no mistake about it though, the Galaxy are in a win-now mode. Angel, Hejduk and defender Gregg Berhalter are all towards the end of their careers. Landon Donovan, arguably the best player in league history, has been flirting with a move to Europe for a few years now. Also, David Beckham, the league’s first Designated Player, is in the final year of a five-year contract he signed with the team.

Maybe more important than the new additions, though, is the health of Donovan and Beckham. After multiple years of nonstop soccer with the Galaxy, their respective national teams and going on winter-loans, both of them finally slowed down this past offseason.

After playing year-round, Donovan, with his stock higher than ever thanks to his performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, decided he needed time to rest. He did not go out on another loan and did not play in any of the U.S. National Team’s games. Looking at his Twitter account, one could tell he was itching to be on the field. But the rest should serve his body well, and refresh him for the MLS season.

Beckham didn’t willingly sit out the winter months, but the Galaxy—fearing for his health after he tore his Achilles tendon with AC Milan last year—refused to let him out on loan. Beckham trained with Tottenham and the Galaxy hope the last season of his contract—and maybe with the Galaxy ever—will be his best.

So the team’s leading men are rested and should have their legs under them for the entirety of the season as the team makes one final push to the top.

The Galaxy resemble the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. They should dominate the regular season and be a favorite for the championship heading into the playoffs. What will it take for them to get over the hump though?

They have lots of players with MLS experience on this team and plenty of leadership—Angel and Hejduk were captains of their clubs—to potentially rectify that reoccurring problem.

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Youth Academy Update

On Friday, the Los Angeles Galaxy announced that the Youth Academy will be participating as founding members in the new Southern California Developmental Soccer League (SCDSL) beginning in September of 2011. The Galaxy Academy will have four teams participate this fall in the inaugural season of the SCDSL in the Under-12, Under-13, Under-14 and Under-15 age divisions.

The SCDSL Founding Clubs are (in alphabetical order):
Arsenal FC
Chivas USA
Cosmos Academy
Irvine Strikers
LA Galaxy
Laguna Hills Eclipse
Legends FC
Nomads
OC Revolution
Pateadores
PVSC Exiles
Real So Cal
Slammers FC
So Cal Blues
So Cal Infinity
South Bay Force
South Coast Bayern
Surf
United FC
West Coast FC

Tryouts for the Under-12 and Under-13 teams will take place on Sunday, March 27 on Field No. 7. The Under-12 tryout will be held from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and the Under-13 tryout from 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. To be eligible to play for the Under-12 team, players must be born after July 31, 1999 and Under-13 players must be born after July 31, 1998.

More information can be found at the Galaxy's web site.


Dusting off the young Canadians

The Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the Canada Under-23 national team 4-0 in a training game at the Home Depot Center on Saturday.

Miguel Lopez opened up the scoring 15 minutes into the contest off the delivery from Bryan Jordan. Jordan and Frankie Hejduk teamed up to deliver a chance for Mike Magee, who made it 2-0 in the 30th minute.

In the 52nd minute, Jovan Kirovski made it 3-0, and Adam Cristman put the icing on the cake after the delivery from Paolo Cardozo in the 86th minute to make it 4-0.

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