Professional soccer is coming to Brooklyn — at least for one night.
The New York Cosmos announced last week that it will play a regular season game at MCU Park in Coney Island on Saturday, May 2, at 7 pm. The Cosmos will take on the Ottawa Fury in a North American Soccer League contest.
“MCU Park is excited to host the New York Cosmos, a club that has been instrumental in the development and popularity of soccer in the United States,” said Steve Cohen, Vice President of the Brooklyn Cyclones. “Bringing professional soccer to Coney Island is another step in proving that the borough of Brooklyn is one of the best and most diverse sports markets in the country.”
The Cosmos, which began play in 1971, is in its second season since being resurrected in August of 2013. The club closed out its inaugural season by winning the 2013 Soccer Bowl with a 1–0 victory against the Atlanta Silverbacks. The championship was the sixth North American Soccer League title in the club’s history.
For now the Cosmos’ visit to Brooklyn is the only one planned. There have been no discussions as of yet for a return to MCU Park, according to team spokesperson Jen Chang.
The team comes into the year after making a splash by signing legendary Spanish player Raúl to a multi-year contract. He will play and serve as technical director to the Cosmos’ new soccer academy opening later this year.
The 37-year-old striker scored 323 goals in 741 matches for Real Madrid. He also found the back of the net 40 times in two years at Schalke and nine times in two seasons at Al-Sadd Sports Club before signing with Cosmos. He could give Brooklyn fans a star attraction to look forward to when the team visits Coney Island.
“This year marks Raúl’s debut season with our club,” said Cosmos Chief Operating Officer Erik Stover. “So we’re delighted to have the opportunity to play our first-ever game in Brooklyn and to continue to connect with fans and the soccer community in New York City.”
MCU Park continues to expand its reach beyond baseball. The Brooklyn Bolts football team played there last fall and the New York Empire ultimate Frisbee team competed their last June.
