NEW YORK (March 4, 2016) — The New York Cosmos announced today a loan agreement with Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City for Cosmos midfielder Jimmy Mulligan. The 24-year-old will suit up for Swope Park Rangers, Sporting’s United Soccer League expansion side, during the 2016 campaign.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Jimmy to further his development as a player,” said Cosmos Head Coach and Sporting Director Giovanni Savarese. “He’s grown tremendously in his two seasons at the club, and we think this loan provides an ideal environment for him to take another step forward.”

A Long Island native, Mulligan signed with the Cosmos in 2014 after a winning four-year college career with St. John’s University. He made his first start in green and white on Oct. 25, 2014, going the full 90 minutes at right back in a 2-2 home draw against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Over two North American Soccer League seasons Mulligan has made six appearances (five starts), racking up 477 minutes on the field. Four of those appearances came in the Cosmos’ title-winning 2015 season.

“Having played soccer in New York all my life, I’m ready to embrace a new challenge,” Mulligan said. “This is a chance for me to become an even better player, and I’m thankful for it. I can’t wait to step in and contribute.”

Mulligan made 80 appearances for St. John’s from 2009-13, serving as team captain in his senior season and leading the Red Storm to the NCAA Tournament’s Second Round.