For the first time in his soccer career, Jimmy Mulligan left Long Island in March when he was loaned to the Swope Park Rangers.

But Mulligan has been called back to the Cosmos, and since his return on July 22, he has earned a starting role at right back with his hometown team.

He has even served as hero with a huge goal line save against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in stoppage time to preserve a 3-2 victory on August 13. Defender Hunter Freeman and goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer both vouched for Mulligan’s improvement and instinct to be in the right place at the right time.

“My experience – just getting more minutes on the field with Swope – has definitely translated to my game now,” said Mulligan. “It’s great to be back with the Cosmos. We’re looking to make another run. I’m excited to help the guys in any way I can.”

Mulligan took part in Swope Park’s inaugural United Soccer League (USL) season. He said his experiences in Kansas City have helped him grow as a player.

“It’s a great organization,” Mulligan said. “The people are amazing over there, and they just love their soccer.”

Mulligan made 17 appearances and 16 starts for the Rangers prior to his departure, accumulating 1,432 minutes on the pitch and starting in the club’s debut match, a 2-1 victory against Portland Timbers 2 on March 26.

Previously, Mulligan never strayed far from Long Island during his youth and senior soccer career. He grew up in Medford and went on to play soccer for St. John’s University. The lifelong Long Islander left the Empire State for Kansas City, but he grew to enjoy it. 

“This was the first time I left the Island,” Mulligan said. “I was always close to home. It was definitely different. The people were different, but still amazing.”

Mulligan said he entered Kansas City with an open mind and fans welcomed him. But now he’s back in the place he calls home.

Mulligan played for Brentwood Soccer Club and then for Massapequa Soccer Club toward the later stages of his youth career. The young talent grew during his time playing in LIJSL, ENYYSA, and Patchogue-Medford High School. His college aspirations came to fruition at St. John’s, where he served as captain and earned Second Team All-Big East honors.  

Prior to signing with the New York Cosmos in 2014, Mulligan played for the Long Island Rough Riders (USL) from 2011-12. Mulligan is one of two Long Islanders on the Cosmos; the other is captain and Mineola native Carlos Mendes, who also made several appearances with the Rough Riders after graduating from Old Dominion University.

“The trainers here helped me get to where I am today and helped me get to a great school at St. John’s,” said Mulligan. “Then playing at St. John’s helped me get to play at the professional level. I’ve had everything through Long Island coaches and Long Island soccer.”

Now he’s made five consecutive starts for the Cosmos. The 25-year-old made just six starts in his previous two seasons.

“I work very hard, but with the coaching staff it’s all about gaining trust in a defensive position on the back line,” Mulligan explained. “Getting thrown into a game and gaining that trust has really helped me stay on the field a little bit longer. Hopefully I continue to be in that starting eleven.”