In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, nearly everyone in Cosmos Country has concerns for friends and family affected by the devastating storm. Several members of the extended Cosmos family live in areas hit by Irma. Some chose to evacuate while others opted to take their chances in their homes and ride it out. With many still without power, touching base with those we love is still problematic, but we are fortunate to confirm the safety of several alumni who found themselves in Irma’s path. 

 

Founding General Manager and former President of the Cosmos, Clive Toye, lives just south of Miami. On Friday, he was bravely preparing for the storm, confident that since he survived the Korean War, he could handle Irma. Yesterday, via phone, he confirmed he has, though without power for the foreseeable future. To save battery power, the conversation did not last long!

New York native Joey Fink played for the Cosmos from 1973-75. He lives just north of Miami now. Chico Borja was with the club from 1981-84. Living just west of Fink, he has recently provided television commentary for Miami FC matches. Ferdinando De Matthaeis played for the Cosmos the same years as Borja. He now is the Technical Director of the NPSL’s Miami Fusion FC. All three Cosmos alums have checked in via social media to report they are safe and sound.

 

More recent Cosmos are now playing with rival NASL sides. Hunter Freeman and Michael Lahoud are with the Miami FC and Jemal Johnson is with the Jacksonville Armada. Their clubs, along with Puerto Rico FC, are faced with the challenge of ensuring not only their players and staff are ready for the remainder of the NASL season, but also keeping their families safe and sound, whether they evacuated to stay in the care of friends or relatives or need to pick up the pieces from storm damage, or simply wait for power and resources to be restored to their communities.

Former Cosmos front office staff, Dom Colarusso and Dara Brociner, relocated to Tampa and are now engaged. They have also checked in as safe via social media. Superfan Joe Brian, who spends most of his time in Sarasota, Florida, has confirmed that he is safe. Doubtless many former players, staff and fans who relocated to areas affected by Irma are struggling in the storm’s aftermath. We wish them well and hope to hear from them. Any other members of the extended Cosmos family coping with Irma, please touch base and let us know you are safe.