By Jason Lind (@JasonKLind)

Heroes Night activities: The Cosmos are honoring active and veteran military, law enforcement, firefighters, other first responders and their families throughout the tri-state area at this weekend’s match. They’ll be eligible to receive complimentary tickets with valid ID.

Tickets can be picked up at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium will call windows (Gate C) on Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. ET.  To find out how you can help via ticket donation visit nycosmos.com/ticketsfortroops.

Three Humvees, two seven-ton trucks and more will be on site for fans to check out. Marines will also supply a pull-up bar, inviting fans to challenge them to pull-up contests.

Once the Cosmos and Armada FC are done on the pitch, the FDNY/NYPD All Stars will match up with the West Point Cadets to cap off a soccer doubleheader. Join us at 7 p.m. ET Saturday! The first 3,000 fans at the stadium each get a Giorgio Chinaglia bobblehead courtesy of Emirates, part of the Cosmos Legends series. Click here to get your tickets.

Back in action: Midfield maestro Marcos Senna returned to the Cosmos starting lineup last Saturday after an extended absence. He announced earlier this year that the 2015 NASL Season would be his final as a professional, and now nine matches remain before The Championship Semifinal at MCU Park in Coney Island.

“I’ve played first team football for 19 years now,” Senna told NYCosmos.com earlier this month. “That’s a lot of years playing professionally. And I’ve always thought that when my mind and body would tell me, ‘That’s enough,’ it would be enough.

“Right now I feel fine, but I’ve always had the desire to leave the sport feeling good. I think this is the moment that I have to give something else a chance. I want to continue working in football, and I’m prepared to do so. But it’s time to leave the field at the end of this season.”

When Senna exits the pitch for the final time, he also wants to be holding the Soccer Bowl trophy. He’s been hard at work in training, preparing for another Cosmos championship run.

“I’m feeling good,” he said. “I hope I can go out by winning another title with the Cosmos.”

More from Senna:

On reuniting with Raúl after playing together on the Spanish national team:

“For me, it’s an honor to play on the same team as Raúl. I’m training with him side by side each day. I’m still learning from him. We’re more or less the same age and every day we continue to learn from one another.

And it’s not only a privilege for me but for all the other Cosmos players, especially the young ones. To have a person like Raúl, a legend in Spain and world football, is incredible. It’s not just good for the Cosmos, but the league as a whole and the country to have him playing here. It’s a pleasure and an honor for everyone.”

On another former La Roja teammate, Iker Casillas, moving from Real Madrid to FC Porto:

“I think there’s no one better than him, either. It was time for a change. Like Raúl, [Casillas] also was a legend at Real Madrid and with the Spanish national team. Surely he felt it was the moment to make a change. I’ve known him for a while and I’m sure that he is happy.

It’s something new for him, and I know he’ll have a great deal of success. He’ll do great things there, too. I wish him good luck. He’s a good friend and I hope that it all goes well.”

Home sweet home: Dismounting from perhaps the most difficult game of the season, a 2-0 defeat on the road against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, New York’s return to Shuart Stadium means a chance to capitalize on one of the biggest home field advantages in the NASL.

The Cosmos haven’t lost in 18 straight home fixtures, dating back to August of last season. They’ve scored 23 goals in 10 NASL home games this season. Meanwhile this Saturday’s opponent, Jacksonville, has not won a road game all season.

Still, the Armada have the upper hand in the (extremely brief) all-time series, winning on July 18 in Jacksonville and earning a comeback draw in their lone visit to Shuart Stadium on June 13. If the Cosmos win it'll be their fifth straight victory in front of the home crowd.