Over the course of their history, both old and modern day, the Cosmos have always been surrounded by stars, and not just the ones that are on their logo. So it was appropriate that the most famous soccer team in American history would be a part of the star-studded USO Rock the Fleet event Wednesday night at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square to kick off Fleet Week in New York City.   

Forward, Eugene Sarikov, defender, Alexis Velela and the Cosmos Girls were on hand as the Cosmos were invited by the USO to an event that also included the real stars, 500 active-duty representatives from the United States Navy, Marine and Coast Guard.  

“What a great event to kick-off Fleet Week in New York City,” said Starikov. “And what an honor it was to represent the Cosmos to our brave service men and women."  

In addition to mingling with special guests like Miss USA, Kara McCullough, former New York Liberty player, Sue Wicks, and Country Music Award winner, Phil Vasser, the Cosmos, with the support of local companies, also distributed donated tickets to Military Appreciation Night this Saturday when the Cosmos host the San Francisco Deltas at MCU Park in Brooklyn. 

All active military and veterans will get free admission Saturday night by showing their military ID at the box office.  Kickoff is at 7:00 pm and all fans in attendance will be treated to a fireworks show after the game.  

Other celebrities that were in attendance Wednesday night included the Radio City Rockettes, actress, Camren Bicondova and actor, J.W. Cortes, from the FOX television show “Gotham”, model, Rain Dove, magician, “The Amazing” Kreskin, and American kickboxer and undefeated boxer, Jarrell Miller. All of the invited guests at the Hard Rock were also treated to a performance by the USO Show Troupe.  

"Having the opportunity to meet so many distinguished individuals while representing the Cosmos and engaging with our service members made me realize how grateful I am for their service and for the opportunity to play professional soccer in New York City,” said Velela.  

This is always a very special time in New York City as we approach Memorial Day Weekend.  It’s a time to honor the memory of the men and women who sacrificed serving in the military while also celebrating the efforts of the brave Americans who continue to defend our country today.  

For the Cosmos, Wednesday night was just the beginning in terms of recognizing our heroes this week. This Saturday shapes up to be a special night on Coney Island as the two-time defending NASL Champions honor the military, those that are in the stadium as well as all over the world, with some special festivities and hopefully a victory over San Francisco.