ANDRE SAYEGH
Mayor of Paterson, New Jersey
City: Paterson, NJ
“Paterson is the only home I’ve ever known. It’s where I was raised and where I’m raising my family. This city shaped me. Everything I am comes from here.
“My first connection to the Cosmos came when I was nine years old. My father took me to a game at Giants Stadium. I didn’t fall in love with soccer that day but I knew it mattered. That memory stayed with me.
“There is sentimental value with the Cosmos. There’s nostalgia. Every time I mention the Cosmos, people say they want to be there. They want to see it. The Cosmos are more than a team and people feel that.
“Now my kids play soccer and they are excited to go to Cosmos games. That’s how connection grows from one generation to the next. The Cosmos coming back gives our kids something to believe in.
“I have passion for Paterson and I hope Paterson has passion for the Cosmos. The Cosmos are now from here. This team belongs in this city.”