Some people stand by the faulty claim that the New York Cosmos caused the original NASL to fold. On the other hand, the Cosmos arguably were the best thing to ever happen to American soccer.
Pundits are arguing whether the move to the new NASL is a temporary one, but who cares? It instantly gives the NASL global credibility and gives the league hope moving forward. I have to say I never heard ESPN, Sports Illustrated, the New York Times, or Fox Sports even mention the NASL until the Cosmos announced their return after nearly 30 years.
Remember this league has struggled to gain sanctioning by the USSF at times and its member clubs have had their own struggles, but that is certainly understandable as marketing second division American soccer is not as easy as it sounds. It’s not like selling tickets for the Dallas Cowboys or even getting people to come out to see the LA Galaxy. It is a challenge, but one that will be bit easier with the Cosmos in the fold.
The Cosmos, saved by former owner and “curator” Peppe Pinton, draws attention and curiosity as it is something that people remember and adore even if they aren’t hardcore soccer supporters. Thousands of people will wander out to NASL games just to catch a glimpse of the Cosmos, to see if they rekindle even a bit of the old magic.
There won’t be a Pelé, a Chinaglia, or even a Beckenbauer on the pitch. The Cosmos will never be what they were in their heyday, but they are still the Cosmos and it is still an opportunity to reconnect with one of the greatest brands in soccer history. The Cosmos will play actual soccer, putting a priority on performance and wins and losses, not exhibitions and Umbro jersey sales.
The fact that the Cosmos are alive and have a home is a good thing, says Pinton.
“The most important thing is that the Cosmos are in a league, rather than being nowhere. Being nowhere is not a good thing. Starting with the NASL is a good thing which could dictate the future to go almost anywhere from there.”
Not only is it good for the Cosmos, it will be a saving grace for a league that has struggled to be more than a stepping stone to MLS. They don’t have the Pacific Northwest magic of the Vancouver Whitecaps or the Portland Timbers or even the eccentric flair of the Montreal Impact.
It’s no secret that several clubs, including the Minnesota and Carolina franchises, have had ownership issues. But league attendance is up 9% in 2012 and 10,000+ crowds are not a pipe dream any longer. The Cosmos should help in the attendance department and will probably sell more merchandise than all the NASL clubs combined.
It is a win-win situation for all involved. The league gets to remain in operation and remain relevant, while the Cosmos get some time on the pitch before making the jump to the top-flight. It also marks the return of professional soccer to New York City, a huge diverse market that deserves a team of their own, not just a name with a stadium in New Jersey.
You never know, maybe the Cosmos will spark a renaissance for the NASL and the league will reach unexpected heights. The Cosmos might have a little of that magic left after all those years.
