By Tyler Strauss

Just days after they recorded their first victory of the season against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, New York Cosmos players took a short trip from their practice facility in Garden City, N.Y. to Upper 90 in Hicksville on Wednesday for the in-store launch of the club’s third kit.

Fans were encouraged to come to the store and meet the players, who were signing autographs. Cosmos supporters also had the opportunity to purchase the third kit in store for the first time.

“I'm excited about the new kit and the upcoming season,” Larry Paretta, a teacher from Massapequa, told NYCosmos.com. “I am a first year season ticket holder. I went to a few games last season and realized that the season tickets were worth it to be able to see the team week in and week out.”

“I’m really enjoying the event,” added Jessica Lowenhart. The mother made the short trip from Greenlawn with her two sons, who smiled and expressed their excitement for the new jersey, the new season and a particular new player: Raúl.

Several Cosmos players attended the launch: Mads Stokkelien, Marcos Senna, Hunter Gorskie, Adam Moffat, Andrés Flores, Danny Szetela, Sebastián Guenzatti and Lucky Mkosana. All were willing to sign autographs while greeting and chatting with fans.

Fans are already wearing the new third kid at our launch at @u90soccer in Hicksville. pic.twitter.com/4Ek1wjML5b

— New York Cosmos (@NYCosmos) April 8, 2015

Like the people who came out to Upper 90 Wednesday night, they are pleased with the new kit.

“I’m excited to wear it because it has a cool look to it,” Gorskie said. “Seeing other people wearing it today, it seems like it has a good fit as well.”

Gorskie, who started in last Saturday’s match, also highlighted the importance of winning the first game of the season.

“It’s huge,” he said. “The first win is always the hardest because there is a lot of excitement going into the first game. To be on the road and have to grind out a result was a big test for the team. I’m glad we left with all three points.”

But the focus of the evening quickly turned back to the fans and the experience of launching a new jersey.

“I’m having fun,” said Flores, who was asked to sign several jerseys at the event. “It’s always nice to be in touch with the fans. These events are fun for us, and I think the third jersey is very nice. I’m looking forward to wearing it.”

Cosmos players and supporters at Upper 90 were equally anticipating the team’s home opener against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on April 18.

“Everyone is very excited,” Stokkelien said. “Obviously we are focusing on the next game against Indy Eleven, but we know the home opener will be a huge game for us. Hopefully it will be a packed stadium, with Pelé and Beckenbauer watching against a tough opponent.”

The Cosmos' new third jersey is available now at all three Upper 90 locations: Hicksville, Brooklyn and Manhattan. You can pre-order it online here.