By Cosmos News Service

NEW YORK (June 18, 2015) – The New York Cosmos announced today that club captain Carlos Mendes has signed a contract extension with the team. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

 “I’m very happy to extend my contract with the Cosmos,” said Mendes. “Being part of the Cosmos family has been an honor and I’m going to continue to give everything I can to help this club achieve success.”

Mendes, 34, is a Long Island native who joined the club from MLS side Columbus Crew in 2013. The central defender has been an integral part of the club’s back line since his arrival, appearing in 48 league games and scoring four goals.

“Carlos is a natural leader and someone who was the first player to commit to the new era of the Cosmos” said Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese. “He really helped lay the foundations of what we are trying to accomplish and is also very well respected and loved by his team mates.”

Mendes started his professional soccer career with the Long Island Rough Riders in 2002, where he made ten appearances before moving on to the Rochester Rhinos. In 2005, Mendes joined the New York Red Bulls where he made 146 appearances over six seasons before joining the Columbus Crew in 2012.