El Cosmos abre una nueva era en Paterson 

One of the great untold stories in the history of the Cosmos was how the club throughout the years has been a showcase of some of the best soccer players the United States has ever produced. In many ways, those Cosmos players from the late 1970s and early ’80s are the lost generation of American soccer.

First, the NASL was in the process of folding as the U.S. fielded a team for the 1984 Summer Olympics. The U.S. failed to qualify for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, then sent an inexperienced group to the 1990 tournament in Italy.

Things have changed, drastically over the last 30-plus years, and last week, when the reborn Cosmos played their inaugural match in USL League One, five young Americans made their professional debuts wearing the crest of perhaps the greatest name in American club soccer — the Cosmos.

“It definitely was special,” starting goalkeeper Tristan Stefani said about last Saturday’s game at Hinchcliffe Stadium in Paterson, NJ. “I’ve worked hard. I started playing when I was 3 years old and worked 20 years for this moment. To say it’s not special would be crazy. It was a special moment for a lot of guys. You dream of playing in that environment. It was really special for me. Going forward, I would like this to continue, prove myself, get more comfortable and continue to progress.”

In addition to Stefani, who is from Norfolk, Mass., the other young debutants included two players from New Jersey, striker Nick Zielonka, 23, from Wallington and midfielder Tino Puentes, 23 from Garwood; one from Brooklyn, midfielder Justin Milovanov, 22; and one from Philadelphia defender Massimo Morabito, 17. All five made their professional debuts and four started the game.

“We have a lot of guys, especially from New Jersey,” Milovanov said. “It’s cool to have people like me, who grew up hearing about the Cosmos and have an understanding of the history.”

Milovanov, who grew up in the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn, finished his college career at Marquette last fall. In two years in Milwaukee, he started 28 of 30 matches he played in, totaling 2,401 minutes. In his final season he finished the 2025 season with 5 goals and an assist.

“I definitely remember going to see the Cosmos” when the team played in Coney Island as part of the NASL 2.0.

Talking about the club’s introduction to USL League One, a 3-1 loss to Portland Hearts of Pine last week, Milovanov said: “I thought we played well playing against contenders, a strong team that’s supposed to compete, I thought we created a lot of chances, there were some lapses of concentration and that’s what can lead to a goal. They showed that they were clinical and took their chances. But I think we have a good group. It’s going to take time, yes, but once it clicks it will really, really click. I have a lot of confidence in this group. We’re building chemistry day in and day out. When it clicks we’ll be unstoppable.”

Though Stefani, the goalkeeper, is from Massachusetts, he played as a graduate student last year for Fordham University in the Bronx (after four years at Holy Cross), starting 13 of the Rams’ 18 matches, posting a 0.98 goals-against average.

He prides himself on being a student of the game and is up on the history of the Cosmos.

“Being a soccer fan for a while, I recognize the names [Franz] Beckenbauer, [Shep] Messing, Pelé … those names give me a clear understanding of the club’s legacy, the legacy of the name and what brought me to this club. The history and the success. When I first signed, my buddies from home and their parents were like ‘no way, the New York Cosmos?’ There are teams in this league that don’t have the history or culture.

“After the game I was out with my family at a grocery store and a man came up to me and said ‘you’re the keeper for the Cosmos?’ He was a staff member back in the day. I asked him about his experience. Then we did a photo shoot with [former goalkeeper] Hubert [Birkenmeier] and I was curious and asked him what it was like to play with some of those great players. It was special to hear about his experience first hand.

“It’s really special to be able to be in this environment. It helps me learn, being new to a professional environment.”

Zielonka, a skillful, two-footed striker who played in college for UMass-Amherst and Kentucky, has experience in USL League Two, the amateur league composed mostly of college players who stay active in their offseasons. He most recently spent time with FC Cincinnati 2 in MLS Next.

“It feels amazing to be able to play in front of a lot of people, friends from my community,” he said. “I had between 100 and 150 people at the game I had some sort of connection to.”

He added: “This is a great opportunity for me and for these guys to develop. Obviously we’re high-level players to be in this position. Being in this environment will constantly be a challenge, but in the long run it will be great for all of us.”

WAYNE, N.J. — William Paterson University has announced a new strategic partnership with Hinchliffe Sports Partners (HSP), operators of historic Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson and owners of the New Jersey Jackals baseball team and New York Cosmos soccer team.

The announcement event was held before a standing-room-only audience in Hobart Manor on the University’s campus, attended by local and state elected officials, University leadership, representatives from Hinchliffe Sports Partners, players and staff from the Cosmos and Jackals, and William Paterson student-athletes.

Under the agreement, William Paterson University (WP) will serve as the official university partner of both professional teams. The collaboration:

•Provides on-campus housing for Jackals and Cosmos players, along with access to University athletic facilities for training and practice, and University dining services;

•Creates priority internship opportunities for WP students across multiple disciplines, including marketing, communications and social media, sales, accounting, stadium and team operations, sports data and analytics, merchandise and licensing, athletic training, website management, and graphic design;

•Establishes a staffed University presence on the Hinchliffe Stadium concourse during games to support community outreach in Paterson; and

•Offers discounted game tickets to William Paterson students and employees.

“This innovative new collaboration reflects our shared values of opportunity, access, and excellence,” said Richard J. Helldobler, president of William Paterson University. “We are excited for this partnership, and what it means for William Paterson and our students; for Hinchliffe Sports Partners and these two storied professional sports teams; and for the City of Paterson, where our institution began more than 170 years ago. We continue to maintain strong community ties throughout Paterson, and we are excited by the opportunity to forge new ones, like the partnership we celebrate here today.”

Baye Adofo-Wilson, owner of Hinchliffe Sports Partners, the Jackals, and the Cosmos, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to Paterson and to preparing the next generation of leaders.

“We are really excited about this partnership,” Adofo-Wilson said. “It’s important that you have institutions like William Paterson who are engaged in the community and in our cities. How do you help to transform the city, improve it? I think that education should be at the forefront, whether it’s changing people’s lives, or improving their lives, or even just giving them a foundation for learning. (William Paterson) is a spectacular campus in close proximity to the stadium. And I wanted us to grow together and for the players to have a space where they feel safe, where they feel comfortable, and because of their ages, I think it’s important for them to be in an educational environment.”

Public Officials Applaud the Collaboration

New Jersey State Senator Benjie Wimberly also underscored the value of collaboration between higher education and professional sports.

“This is a great day for William Paterson and the city of Paterson,” said Senator Wimberly. “This collaboration, when it comes to opportunities for internships, is so, so important because there’s nothing like hands-on opportunities to work there, and hopefully that same energy that will come from the William Paterson down to Hinchliffe Stadium. Thank you, president, for this opportunity to collaborate and Baye, thank you for your vision. It takes people who have visions to make sure that these things happen.”

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh highlighted the significance of the partnership for the city.

“It is an auspicious day. This is another victory for the city and for William Paterson University. And what we talk about is not only a field of dreams, but it’s a field of opportunities,” said Mayor Sayegh. “We are going to propel Paterson through professional sports and also afford opportunities to individuals for empowerment. So, this is a banner day for the city of Paterson. This is winning for a city that really needs it. Because when you’re trying to position a place like Paterson for progress, it’s not a spectator sport. It’s a team sport. Nobody can afford to sit on the sidelines. We need you on the field, in the game, scoring the goals, and hitting the home runs.”

Orlando Cruz, a Passaic County commissioner, president and CEO of the Paterson Chamber of Commerce, and the external relations director for the Cosmos and the Jackals, also spoke at the event.

“It’s partnerships like this that make things happen, that represent something bigger than sports, that represent synergy where education, athletes, and community intersect and create real opportunities for our region,” Cruz said. “Housing the players here on campus is doing more than just providing a facility or a place for them to stay. The university has opened its doors, and it’s becoming part of a dynamic ecosystem where students, athletes, and professionals can interact, learn from one another, and build meaningful relationships.”

Strengthening Ties to Paterson

The partnership further reinforces William Paterson University’s longstanding relationship with the City of Paterson, where the institution began as the Paterson City Normal School in 1855.

Under the agreement, the Jackals and Cosmos will live and practice on the University’s campus before playing home games at Paterson’s restored Hinchliffe Stadium, deepening the connection between the University and its native city.

“Professional sports teams have tremendous potential to bring communities together and make a positive economic impact on local neighborhoods, the entire city, and beyond,” Helldobler said. “Our new WP/HSP partnership will help power progress in the Silk City.”

Following the remarks, representatives from William Paterson, Hinchliffe Sports Partners, and both teams participated in a jersey presentation.

Paterson, NJ (February 24,2026) – The New York Cosmos will celebrate the vibrant Bangladeshi community of Paterson, New Jersey, on March 28th during the club’s second home match of the 2026 season with a special Bangladeshi Heritage Match at Hinchliffe Stadium. The Cosmos will face Fort Wayne FC in USL League One, with kickoff set for 2 PM. 

The evening will honor the Bangladeshi community, which represents a significant and proud presence in the neighborhoods surrounding Hinchliffe Stadium. As a club rooted in its mission to serve and uplift the local community, the Cosmos are committed to recognizing the cultures and traditions that make North Jersey one of the most diverse cultural regions in the country. 

The Bangladeshi Heritage Match will showcase the rich history, traditions, and cultural pride of Bangladesh while highlighting the global reach of the game and the international spirit that has long defined the Cosmos. Fans can look forward to an immersive matchday experience that includes special pregame ceremonies and a halftime performance by a traditional Bangladeshi dance group (BHR Naach), celebrating the music, movement, and artistry of the culture. 

In addition to the on-field festivities, the Cosmos will debut a special pre-match warm-up jersey honoring the Bangladeshi community. The design features a deep green base with red accents inspired by the Bangladesh flag, layered with a fully sublimated Shapla (water lily) print. As Bangladesh’s national flower, the Shapla represents resilience, beauty, and life along the country’s rivers. An enlarged “Made in Bangladesh” patch on the front recognizes the craftsmanship and dedication behind the club’s uniforms. 

With the support of Councilman Shahin Khalique and Councilman Md Forid Uddin, the Cosmos have been working closely with the Paterson Bengali community to ensure the experience is authentic and community-first focused, including collaboration on the design of the pre-match warm-up jersey. 

“When community and sport come together, history is made,” said Councilman Shahin Khalique. “The Cosmos celebrate the vibrant Bangladeshi heritage that makes Paterson stronger, prouder, and united.” 

The Bangladeshi Heritage Match reflects the Cosmos’ continued commitment to building a community-first club that celebrates culture, inclusion, and the unifying power of soccer. 

The Bangladeshi Heritage warm-up jersey is available now. Shop today at Bangladeshi Heritage Pre-Match Jersey. 

To purchase tickets to this match please visit: Bangladeshi Heritage Match Tickets. 

Community. Club. Cosmos. 

About the New York Cosmos 

The New York Cosmos are a professional soccer club competing in USL League One and playing home matches at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey. Built on a legacy of global impact and rooted in a mission to serve North Jersey, the Cosmos are committed to developing best-in-class teams while creating meaningful community connections through sport, culture, and entertainment. 

Paterson, NJ — The Cosmos has announced a partnership with Ion Bank, naming the institution as the club’s Official Bank Partner and Front-of-Kit sponsor beginning this season. 

As part of the agreement, the Ion Bank logo will appear prominently on the front of the Cosmos match jerseys throughout the 2026 season. The collaboration represents a shared commitment to community investment, long-term growth, and supporting the next chapter of professional soccer in Northern New Jersey. 

“Ion Bank is proud to announce its sponsorship with the Cosmos,” said Philip Vaz, New Jersey Regional President at Ion Bank, “reinforcing our commitment to building stronger, more vibrant communities for today and for the generations to come. This partnership reflects Ion Bank’s longstanding dedication to supporting local traditions that unite people of all ages and create meaningful experiences both on and off the field. We are honored to stand behind an organization that brings fans together, strengthens community pride, and enriches the place we are proud to call home.” 

As part of the partnership, Ion Bank and the Cosmos will introduce a community ticketing initiative through Ion Bank’s Ion Cares program. Beginning this season, discounted tickets will be available to Paterson residents and students, redeemable at the stadium box office with valid identification. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to expanding access and ensuring that local community members have the opportunity to experience matchday at Hinchliffe Stadium. 

“We are proud to welcome Ion Bank as our partner,” said Erik Stover, Chief Executive Officer of the Cosmos. “Throughout this process it has been clear that we have a shared belief in community, access, and building something meaningful together. We believe in Ion Bank and the Ion Cares program and we’re looking forward to building new initiatives together.” 

The agreement runs through the 2028 season and includes category exclusivity in banking, as well as integrated broadcast, digital, and matchday activations at historic Hinchliffe Stadium. 

Fans that purchased their jerseys before the partnership between Ion Bank and the Cosmos was announced can bring their kit to Hinchliffe Stadium on matchdays to have the Ion Bank sponsor professionally pressed onto their jersey. Jerseys are available for purchase at Hinchliffe Stadium and online at shop.nycosmos.com. 

The Cosmos return to professional play this spring as part of USL League One, with their home opener set for March 14, 2026, at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey. 

For more information, visit nycosmos.com. 

About Ion Bank 

Ion Financial, MHC is the parent company of its subsidiaries Ion Bank, NVE Bank, A Division of Ion Bank and Ion Investments. Ion Bank has been serving customers throughout Connecticut since 1870. 

Locally owned, the bank is committed to helping individual and business customers as well as the community at large. Ion Bank and NVE Bank, A Division of Ion Bank, offer personal banking, business banking and financial services at its 32 branches in 27 communities in Connecticut and New Jersey as well as two high school branches. 

About the Cosmos 

The New York Cosmos are one of the most iconic clubs in American soccer history. Founded in 1970, the Cosmos helped introduce the global game to the United States and have been home to some of the sport’s most legendary figures. In 2026, the club returns to professional play as a member of USL League One, calling historic Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey home. The Cosmos are committed to being a community-driven club that celebrates culture, history, and the future of soccer in the region. 

PATERSON, NJ (Feb. 12 2026) — The New York Cosmos and Wellpoint New Jersey have announced a one-year partnership through the 2026 season, uniting the Paterson-based soccer club and the health plan around a shared goal of making a positive impact across New Jersey.

As part of the agreement, Wellpoint will serve as the presenting partner of the Cosmos’ “Community Nights,” a locally focused game-night series recognizing North Jersey towns, schools, and local contributors. Each designated match will feature in-game recognition and pregame activities highlighting a different hometown.

The partnership will also support a range of initiatives, including health awareness, food and supply distributions, clothing, and toy drives, and Wellpoint’s Read Across New Jersey literacy initiative.

The partnership reflects the Cosmos’ ongoing commitment to using professional soccer as a platform to support initiatives that create lasting benefits across the region.

“Community is at the heart of our club,” said Cosmos CEO Erik Stover. “Partnering with Wellpoint allows us to recognize and celebrate our neighbors while creating meaningful impact off the field.”

“We’re proud to collaborate with the Cosmos on events that bring people together,” said Anya Nawrocky, director of member experience and growth at Wellpoint New Jersey. “Community Nights provide an opportunity to spotlight local towns, schools, and leaders while supporting efforts that promote health, connection, and opportunity across the region.”

In NJ, Wellpoint delivers Medicaid and Medicare health care coverage with a holistic focus on physical, behavioral, and social health.

“We believe strong connections help support better health,” said Dr. Patrick Fox, president of Wellpoint New Jersey. “This partnership allows us to celebrate the people and places that make New Jersey special while supporting local initiatives that educate and support residents.”

About Wellpoint New Jersey

Wellpoint New Jersey is a Medicaid and Medicare Managed Care Organization (MCO) that has proudly served New Jersey’s most vulnerable populations for 30 years. Our mission is to help people live healthier lives by addressing both medical needs and the social drivers of health that affect overall well-being. By partnering with local organizations, we aim to build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities across the state. To learn more, visit www.choosewellpoint.com/nj

About the New York Cosmos

Founded in 1971, the New York Cosmos helped introduce world-class soccer to the United States and became a global icon. Now returning to the field in Paterson, New Jersey, the Cosmos are a community-driven club rooted in sports, culture, and entertainment. Based at historic Hinchliffe Stadium, the club is focused on celebrating its heritage while showcasing the pride and passion of North Jersey through the world’s game.