By Cosmos News Service

NEW YORK (July 23, 2015) – The New York Cosmos announced today that Spanish defender Ayoze has signed a contract extension with the team. As per club policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Ayoze, 29, has been a fixture in the Cosmos’ starting lineup since joining in 2013. A native of the Canary Islands, Ayoze has made 43 appearances for the Cosmos, registering two goals and six assists in those games.

“Ever since he arrived in New York, Ayoze has brought quality and versatility to our back line,” head coach Giovanni Savarese said. “He has great attacking instincts and is also very capable defensively.”

Ayoze originally debuted for his hometown club, CD Tenerife, in 2004. After a spell on loan at Las Palmas in Spain’s third division during the 2004-05 season, Ayoze returned to Tenerife where he was a fixture until 2010.

During the 2008-09 season, Ayoze made 30 appearances and helped his club achieve promotion to Spain’s top flight. The following season, he made 25 appearances in La Liga and scored two goals.

In May 2010, after CD Tenerife suffered relegation, Ayoze signed for Spain’s Sporting Gijón. During the 2010-11 season, he helped his new club maintain its La Liga status, making 13 appearances and scoring a goal in the process. In the 2011-12 season, Ayoze made another 15 appearances for Sporting Gijón.

“I’ve enjoyed my time with the Cosmos immensely,” Ayoze said. “My family and I have put down roots in New York, and I want to continue helping this club achieve its goals.”