On Sunday, June 28th, the New York Cosmos will play Santos Laguna in an
international friendly at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, NJ. Players and
representatives from both clubs discussed the match’s significance.
The event represents more than just an exhibition. For the Cosmos, it serves
as another milestone in the club’s return to professional soccer and an
opportunity to showcase the organization’s long-term vision to supporters
throughout the region.
“To have the opportunity to play a club of Santos Laguna’s stature so early in
this process is remarkable for us,” said Erik Stover, Cosmos CEO.
Stover noted that the match aligns with the club’s broader efforts to reconnect
with communities across North Jersey while introducing a new generation of
fans to the club. With one of Mexico’s most recognized clubs coming to
Paterson, the organization views the event as an opportunity to celebrate both
the area’s diversity and its passion for soccer.
“We’re reaching out to the Mexican community specifically, and it’s very much
part of our strategy moving forward,” Stover added.
The significance of the occasion extends to the soccer side of the organization
as well. Club leadership sees the match as an opportunity for players and
coaches to measure themselves against a respected Liga MX opponent while
continuing the team’s development during its inaugural USL League One
campaign.
Giuseppe Rossi, Head of Soccer, emphasized the excitement surrounding the
event.
“It’s an honor to play against a historic team like Santos Laguna,” Rossi said.
“The players are excited, and it’s a great opportunity for the community.”
For Davide Corti, Head Coach, the friendly offers valuable experience during
a break in the league games. The Cosmos will use this match as an
opportunity to continue developing as a team while testing themselves against
top-level opposition.
Corti believes matches like this can accelerate the growth of some young
players by exposing them to different styles of play and a higher level of
competition than they may encounter on a weekly basis.
“We consider this one of the most important games we’re going to have
moving forward,” Corti said.
That excitement is shared throughout the locker room, particularly among
players with personal connections to Mexican soccer. Several Cosmos
players grew up watching Liga MX and recognize the opportunity to compete
against one of the league’s established clubs.
Cosmos players also reflected on the personal significance of facing a club
they grew up watching. Defender Jordan Chavez, whose family is from
Mexico, described the opportunity as a dream come true.
“I’ve grown up watching Liga MX, so being able to step on the field against a
team like Santos Laguna is a dream come true,” Chavez said.
For many players, the match represents a chance to gauge their own
progress while performing in front of family members and supporters who
understand the significance of the occasion.
Goalkeeper Javier Garcia echoed that sentiment, noting that the match is
more than just a regular friendly for them.
“It’s not just a friendly for us, it’s a chance to test ourselves and learn from a
club of that level,” Garcia said.
Santos Laguna arrives in Paterson with similar objectives. While the match
forms part of the club’s preseason preparations, it also provides an
opportunity to engage with supporters in the United States and participate in
an event that highlights the growing connection between Mexican and
American soccer communities.
“We know the Cosmos well. We know the history they have and the
importance the club has in the United States,” said Santosright-back Javier
Abella.
The mutual respect between the two organizations has helped elevate interest
in the match, which is expected to attract supporters from across the New
York metropolitan area. The event will bring together fans of both clubs while
showcasing Paterson and Hinchliffe Stadium on an international stage.
As two historic clubs prepare to meet in Paterson, Sunday’s match promises
to be a celebration of soccer culture, competition, and community, bringing
together supporters from across the region for a unique international
crossover.
Kickoff is set for Sunday at 5:00p.m. EST at Hinchliffe Stadium.
To purchase match tickets click here