(Photo: Lathan Lev)

Local fans, as well as travelers, share the unforgettable experience of watching the Cosmos play live for the very first time.

 

Lathan Lev
East Meadow, NY
Twitter: @LevNation20
First Cosmos Game: June 14, 2014 vs New York Red Bulls (USOC)

#NYCosmos beating the NY Redbulls in the @opencup 3-0. First time sitting in @5_Points_NYC pic.twitter.com/LpcaX9J3zd

— Lathan Lev (@LevNation20) September 4, 2017

My first Cosmos game was the 3-0 win against the New York Red Bulls in the US Open Cup on June 14, 2014. I remember it because it was the first time I sat in the supporters section with the 5 Points.

The Cosmos were introduced to me by my friend, Mike. He talked all about soccer and he introduced me to the game and the team. I started following the club in 2013 when Mike told me about the reboot. I read up on the team's history and got excited when I learned they were close by.

I love coming to Cosmos games and enjoying the game and the camaraderie. I love having a supporters section and having that atmosphere that is unmatched. I like working with my friend, Geoff, on his company, Always Green, that makes unique Cosmos merch, like the 7 Line does for the Mets. I got exposed to a new sport and great people.

 

Deborah E. Velez Cardec
Astoria, NY
Twitter: @dvc1207
First Cosmos Game: April 18, 2015 vs Tampa Bay Rowdies

11/8/14 was 1st game and won season tickets. 1st live game was @RaulGonzalez debut 4/4/15. fell in love with the team and the @5_Points_NYC

— Deborah Velez Cardec (@dvc1207) September 4, 2017

My first game was Game 1 of the 2015 Season, April 18, 2015 at Hofstra Stadium, and Raúl's debut with the team. Raúl is my favorite player and the reason I started watching fútbol in the first place, so to have the opportunity to see him play in person was just incredible. A group of the Real Madrid Supporters group went together for the game, and we sat with the 5 Points. The atmosphere was just amazing. The non-stop music and chanting, the energy when the goals were scored, it was really an amazing night. I felt like I had found a team in NY I could support.

The first time I saw a Cosmos game (on TV) was November of 2014. It was a semifinal game, right after it was announced that the Cosmos had signed Raúl. The 5 Points were meeting at a bar in NYC to watch the semifinal game, and we decided to go watch the game and meet some of the people, as we knew we would be going to the games the next season with Raúl. Sadly, the Cosmos lost the game, but the 5 Points had a raffle that included two season tickets for the 2015 season, which I won. It was like fate! I've been a season ticket holder since then.

I started following the club because of Raúl, but I stayed because of the values and supporters. I really do love the values and connection between the fans and the team. I love how connected Gio, the players and everyone involved with the team are with the supporters. It really feels like a family.

I always have a lot of fun in the games, singing and cheering from the stands with the 5 Points and sending all the best vibes so the guys can get the points on the pitch. I like the location of MCU Park. It's a lot easier to get to than the prior stadium, plus being around Coney Island is fun because we can hang out before/after the games, too. Also, being near a subway station is great.

 

Jeff Stordock (via Facebook)
Green Bay, WI
First Cosmos Game: October 29, 2016 vs Minnesota United

My first – and so far only – Cosmos game was an away match in Minnesota, Oct 29, 2016. I have been a fan since the late 70's. I started playing soccer when I was about 10. We had just gotten cable TV and NASL matches were on some of the new channels, and the Cosmos were featured quite often. I was crushed when the team and League folded in 1985. When MLS was launched, I was hoping the Cosmos would return, but no such luck. Then the news of the return, the Cosmos would be playing Manchester United (my favorite team since the Cosmos folded).

I was in heaven when they started league play in 2013. Living in Green Bay, traveling to see the Cosmos live in New York is a bit out of my price range. I started looking for games close to home. I couldn't make any trips to see them as something was always coming up. When it was announced that Minnesota United would be joining MLS, I knew I had to make the 6+ hour trip to Blaine, MN, or I would miss one of the best chances I would have to see the Cosmos live.

I was worried that because the Cosmos clinched a playoff spot already, and with the playoffs starting the following week, some players would be rested. I really wanted to see Jimmy Maurer play, so I made sure my seat was going to be behind one of the goals. When the teams were introduced, Jimmy was starting, and would be right in front of me for the second half. The first half had some great chances, but no goals. The second half started, and within five minutes the Cosmos were up 1-0 thanks to Eric Calvillo. United needed to score to keep their playoff hopes alive, and threw everything they had at the Cosmos defense. Jimmy Maurer made some of the most amazing saves I have ever seen in the final couple minutes to preserve the win.

I stood proudly with Cosmos scarf above my head and cheered as loud as I could until the last player left the field. It was awesome! Hopefully someday, I will be able to make the trip to MCU Park, but for now, I'll have to enjoy the games on MSG, ESPN3, or BeIN Sports.

 

Alex Romanelli
Pleasantville, NY
Twitter: @alexcr_31
First Cosmos Game: October 22, 2016 vs Miami FC

My first Cosmos game was last year around October against Miami when the cosmos won 4-0.

My most memorable game was going to the Championship last November to see the Cosmos win in it all in PKs!

When an intense nail biting championship ended in a PK victory! Best one for me!  #MemoryLane pic.twitter.com/4I3MyQRSXn

— Alex (@alexcr_31) September 10, 2017

I always knew who the Cosmos were, but I never knew what the league under the MLS was. I actually won tickets to that game back when they played at Hofstra, and won club access tickets. I had a great experience, everyone who worked there was incredibly friendly and made my first experience a memorable one, while the Championship was a tense matchup that had the exact same result (the Cosmos won).

I actually have not been able to make it out to MCU Park this season. I really have wanted to though, the stars have not aligned for me yet. However from the two games I went to last season, it was a fun, family friendly and personal experience. I had an absolute blast!

Check back soon for more Cosmos match day memories, and watch for announcements on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for a chance to be featured!