Cosmos busy growing roster
The New York Cosmos have stayed busy boosting up their roster this offseason. Among a number of new players added on are former Indy Eleven player Kevin Venegas, Salvatore Barone, Junior Burgos, Garrett Halfhill and Jochen Graf. The mix of players will join the team ahead of the first-ever NPSL Founders Cup that the team will participate in.
Defender Kevin Venegas was one of the most recent players signed to the Cosmos, the team announced Monday. The 29-year-old played in the 2018 season for the Indy Eleven, where he made 21 appearances. Before that, Venegas was in MLS with Minnesota United FC in 2017.
“Adding a player like Kevin is very exciting,” said Cosmos senior vice president Joe Barone. “We know he is a fierce competitor from our matchups in the NASL when he was with Minnesota United and can’t wait to see him in the Cosmos badge.”
On Thursday, the Cosmos revealed left-footed midfielder Salvatore Barone as their latest signing. Barone came through the Cosmos system, but spent 2018 with Penn FC.
“I am very happy to be returning to such an amazing club with so much history,” Barone stated. “I’m excited to start preseason and look forward to another successful season.”
A day before the announcement of Barone’s return, the club unveiled the addition of Salvadoran midfielder Junior Burgos. The 30-year-old has been capped 11 times for the El Salvador national team.
“I’m excited and motivated for a new challenge here in the U.S., especially with such a prestigious and historic organization like the New York Cosmos,” Burgos commented. “I am thankful for this opportunity and I look forward to giving back on the pitch for the trust that Joe Barone, Carlos Mendes, and the rest of the coaching staff have put in me as well as connecting with the Cosmos fan base and the community as a whole.”
Another defender, Garrett Halfhill, re-signed with the team Feb. 7. Halfhill was a key piece for Cosmos B in 2018 during its clean 10-0-0 NPSL regular season.
“I’m excited to be back with the New York Cosmos and meet my new teammates,” the 25-year-old said. “It’s an honor to wear the crest and represent this great club.”
“We were impressed with Garrett last season and were pleased with his development on the field,” Cosmos head coach Carlos Mendes said. “He has a professional mentality and is also a versatile player. We are very excited to have him back for the 2019 season.”
Announced Jan. 31, Jochen Graf is a seasoned American forward with ample experience across the pond. The 29-year-old started off professionally with TSV Hertha Walheim, and later played for Lidkopings FK, Carlstad United BK, Oskarshamns AIK, the Rochester Rhinos, Tampa Bay Rowdies and Reno 1868 FC.
“It’s such a great feeling to be joining an iconic club like the Cosmos,” Graf said. “It’s a first-class organization and has a name that is recognized all over the world.”
“We really like Jochen,” explained Mendes. “We love his mentality. He’s a forward who will work all day, offensively and defensively. He gets in behind defenders, he’s difficult to play against, and he’ll bring a lot to us. He’s a proven goalscorer and he’ll help us tremendously.”
Other recent Cosmos signings include goalkeeper Santiago Castano and defender Pedro Galvao.
The inaugural NPSL Founders Cup competition kicks off in August.
Follow Claire on Twitter: @ItsASchmidtThng.
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