MLS 2 NYC Update by Nick Laveglia We have been down this road before. Talks of a second Major League Soccer team in the New York City area have been reoccurring for awhile. However, nothing has been formerly materialized into something substantial. Before you say, “We have been down this road before,” for the first time ever, a possible solution is eminent. MLS Commissioner Don Garber continues to speak of their intentions to get something done in the Queens area. Between the Wilpon family and the New York Cosmos, there are plenty of alternatives to finalize a deal. This week Citi Field hosted a soccer game between Greece and Ecuador. Leading up to the game, the Mets and representatives from
local political offices spoke of their interest in soccer. Mets Executive Vice President David Howard statement on the matter may have been the biggest hint that Soccer in Queens might not be that far off “We are already in discussion about possibly hosting an exhibition match later this summer between a European club team and a Central American team,” said Howard. “And Major League Soccer is on record as saying they would like to have a second team in New York” Many believe that Howard was hinting Citi Field as the obvious location which he stated will be the home of future soccer matches. In addition, he stated that it could also become the home of a future
Major League Soccer team. Interestingly enough, the Mets organization didn’t imply that they were in the running for as a potential contender for a MLS team. With that said, the New York Cosmos come into the equation. The Cosmos has consistently made it clear that they are looking to build a stadium in New York City, with Queens being one of the locations they are discussing with the city. It is very possible that the Cosmos would make Citi Field their home for a year or two while their soccer specific stadium is being built nearby in Queens. The Cosmos have admitted to engaging the Wilpon family in the past so it’s evident that a partnership is indeed possible. ❺
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