By Cesar D.

READ: Inside Cosmos Country Vol. I and Vol. II

For this week’s edition of "Inside Cosmos Country" this writer interviewed the man who on match day is responsible for organizing and setting up the Cosmos supporters section (collectively known as the Five Points): Christian Lucero.

When he’s not organizing the Five Points, Christian can be found at 106 St. Tire and Wheel in Queens, N.Y. where he helps run his family-owned business. NYCosmos.com spoke to him immediately prior to the Cosmos' 2015 home opener against the Tampa Bay Rowdies last Saturday.

So what’s your official title within the Five Points?

That’s a good question... I honestly don’t know.

The guys from La Banda Del Cosmos call me Profe, which is short and Spanish for professor. It’s a title of respect and a reminder that I’m at least 10 years older than many of their members.

Some of the guys from the Five Points have labeled me the “Five Points General.” I’m sure other people have some names for me… some good, some bad.

How did you become the Five Points General?

When the Borough Boys were formed, I created one of the earliest banners. I’ve always enjoyed the match day preparations so this came naturally.

Tell us about your experience as a founding member of the Borough Boys.

If I’m not mistaken, I’ve been a Borough Boys member since 2007. We met at the online soccer forum Big Soccer. Our vision was that we wanted a club that best idealized New York and its multicultural lifestyle.

From the very beginning, I’ve always made the case that the Cosmos were the team that needed to return because their history best represented the diversity amongst New Yorkers. Not only do the Cosmos represent New York, they also represent the cultural diversity of where many of our families are originally from.

So the audience has an idea, tell us one childhood memory you have of the Cosmos.

If I had to pick one childhood memory it would have to be my Cosmos bedsheet and pillow set that my mother got me. For me, my Cosmos bedsheet and pillow symbolized the comfort and safety of my home. It also symbolized the memories I have of going to the matches with my dad and enjoying soccer with my family.

Soccer or as I call it, fútbol, is about being with my family and the people I love. Even though it’s about the sport but it’s really not. The outcomes will always matter, but the memories and experiences of the matches with friends and family is what I remember most.

Let’s fast forward to the present: Tell us about your schedule on match day.

I try to start my day like any other work day. Before any Cosmos match, I’m at my job. As the day progresses, I review the equipment and supplies I need to take to the match. For every match I also try to visualize the sound and action within the Five Points. On top of that, I’m talking with several members of the Five Points about our section’s plans.

Every match is different so depending on the previous outcome combined with the expectations of this upcoming match, the Five Points match agenda is also different. For everyone involved in setting the Five Points on a regular basis, our goal is to produce something that is quality that everyone will enjoy and appreciate.

The reason behind this is because we want our supporters to feel proud of and welcomed in our section and the environment we’re creating. It’s all about having fun but the preparation behind has to be taken seriously. As supporters, we want to be the best at what we do for 90+ minutes.

In order to create a successful environment, how often do you talk with other members of the Five Points?

The conversations are never-ending because we’re brainstorming ideas, the supplies we’re going to need for the match and the appearance we hope to create for the match. If we have an idea that weather may be a factor, we’re discussing other alternatives in setting up the Five Points. And we’re not even talking about the number of people who may be available to help us set up for the day.

Part of the behind the scenes is the ride to the match. What’s that experience like?

The van ride is a soccer forum and it’s beautiful. Normally there’s at least four to six of us riding to the match talking and debating about soccer. We’ll talk about the NASL, the Cosmos, the politics, conspiracy theories, and the changes we believe need to be made in American Soccer. The conversations are passionate and I believe it gets us all mentally prepared for the match.

The only concern I ever have of driving up to Shuart Stadium is the traffic. If traffic is bumper-to-bumper or there was an accident, I start feeling uncomfortable because I hate worrying if I’m going to be late and planning how quickly we’re going to set up the Five Points.

How challenging is it getting help to unload and load the van?

The only challenging thing about this is getting people to help. The stuff we unload isn’t heavy. It’s just a time-consuming process because after we unload the van, we have to start placing banners, flags and poles in their proper places. It also helps if we have several critical eyes who can point out to us whether we set it up right or not.

When it’s said and done, we need hands and eyes… mainly hands. If we have eight to 10 people, then we’re able to set up the Five Points at our best. If we have half or less than that or the weather is going to be horrendous, then we go Five Points lite. If anyone wants to help us set up the Five Points on match day, let us know in any of our Cosmos-related pages or hit me up at the tailgate party, where I always check in with the others.

With your role as the Five Points General, are you able to watch a match?

Honestly, I’ve only been able to watch a few matches. Over the past few seasons, I’ve missed so many key goals. My goal is to ensure that everyone is having a good time and enjoying their experience.

Part of it has to do with protecting our section (with several other members) and making sure any supporters from the opposing side don’t come to our section to steal our flags or cause any trouble. In short, whenever the Cosmos have a home match, I’m the one coordinating the efforts and making sure everyone is doing the right thing within the Five Points.

Along with the banners and flags being set up properly, I’m also coordinating with the stadium security, the front office and stadium staff so I can give them a heads up of what to expect on that particular match. All of this behind the scenes stuff or the dirty work is something that needs to be done and it’s appreciated.

For anyone who has yet to make it to a match, how would you describe the New York Cosmos experience?

I would describe our time together as a family and community whose relationship and acceptance of each other grew over time. While the Cosmos may have brought us together as supporters, many of us have been able to create friendships and relationships beyond the match day experience. 

A post-match interview with Christian Lucero is coming Monday. Photography in this feature provided by Jeremías Pérez Artiga.