Cosmos soccer is right around the corner.

The New York Cosmos will soon be on their way to Maryland to begin their participation in the Mid-Atlantic region of the inaugural NISA Independent Cup. Serving as preparation for the upcoming NISA fall season, the Cosmos region will play their matches at Maryland Soccer Complex in Boyds, Md. from July 28 through August 2.

With the club’s opening match just eight days away, let’s take a look at some of the Cosmos opponents this summer.

FC Baltimore Christos | July 28th, 4pm EST

Coached by Larry Sancomb, Christos will be a familiar foe to the Cosmos, as the two sides faced off in the National Premier Soccer League Northeast regional final of the 2019 playoffs. The Cosmos were victorious 3-1 on that day, punching their ticket to the NPSL semifinals against ASC San Diego. The Christos have had success in the NPSL of late, finishing first in the league’s Mid-Atlantic conference each of the past two seasons.

New Amsterdam FC | July 31st, 7pm EST

New Amsterdam FC, the Cosmos’ the lone NISA opponent in the tournament, brings an air of local rivalry to the team’s time in Maryland. 

The team has flooded their inaugural roster with local talent, including former Felician University defender-midfielder standout Martin Williams of Brooklyn, who last played for Motala AIF FK in Sweden's second division. 

Maryland Bobcats FC | August 2nd, 2pm EST

The Maryland Bobcats, who call Montgomery County home, captured the fall 2019 UPSL national championship after an undefeated regular season in the Northeast Beltway first division. In the final, the Bobcats overcame a one-goal deficit to register a 3-1 extra time victory over Santa Ana Winds FC.

Coached by Phil Nana, the Bobcats were slated to compete in the NPSL this spring, but that season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This summer, all NISA Independent Cup matches will be streamed for free on the league’s website. You can find the full tournament schedule here.