By Tyler Strauss

Spring 2015 marks the beginning of an era for the New York Cosmos. This is the inaugural season for reserve squad New York Cosmos B in the National Premier Soccer League. Coached by Alecko Eskandarian, Cosmos B is off to a great start in their history, winning their first two games.

A player who has proved a key contributor to Cosmos B early on is 21-year-old midfielder Cristhian Hernández. He has been one of the standout performers on the pitch, with one goal already this year. Prior to joining the club he suited up for Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union and their USL affiliate Harrisburg City Islanders.

"This is exactly what I needed,” Hernández told NYCosmos.com on Thursday when asked about his experience with Cosmos B. “I didn't really get the opportunity to play in Philadelphia, and Alecko knew me from the Union. He gave me a call to see if I could come out and get back to where I want to be. I am taking this as any other opportunity, where I just try to do my best, and bring my qualities to the team."

He has been all over the soccer world thus far in his career. Growing up in Los Angeles, the Mexican-born Hernández earned the chance to play with the youth team of a star-studded LA Galaxy club.

"At the time David Beckham and Cobi Jones were there,” said Hernández. “I knew that playing there would open up other opportunities for me if things went well.”

Following the Galaxy, Hernández played for Northeast soccer powerhouse Saint Benedict's Prep High School in Newark, N.J., where he helped the Gray Bees win their seventh national title. After that the Union expressed interest in Hernández. He went on to make several appearances for their reserve team and substitute appearances for the first team while Eskandarian was serving as youth technical director in Philadelphia.

After a strong performance in an international friendly with Everton, Hernández traveled to Spain to train with La Liga side Real Sociedad.

“I was able to meet Carlos Vela, Antoine Griezmann, and Xabi Prieto,” Hernández said. “I got to train there for a month, and the lifestyle there is so different. Everything is about soccer. There were many interesting differences regarding when they train, rituals after training, how they get treatment. I had the opportunity to train with some of the best players in the world.”

Hernández is fitting in well now with the Cosmos, and happy to be reunited with Eskandarian.

“Alecko is a guy that loves to play soccer,” said Hernández of his coach. “He has done it his whole life. He really enjoys the beauty of soccer, and not just high pressing and tackling. This style suits my own game.”

Hernández continues his Cosmos B career this weekend as the team travels to Maine to face Seacoast United Mariners at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 16.