With Future Set, Cosmos Celebrate Rich History in Astoria

Cosmos fans celebrate in colorful fashion. // Photo by Matthew Levine

Players stand on the pitch at MCU Field in Coney Island. // Photo by Ben Nicholas

By David Brand

Before the Red Bulls, before New York City Football Club, before talks of a new club coming to Queens, there were the Cosmos — New York City’s first high-level professional soccer club, home to legends like Pele and local stars like Danny Szetela.

The Cosmos and their 5 Points supporters club will honor the club’s rich history — which spans nearly five decades — at Astoria Tavern in Astoria tomorrow from 7-9 p.m.

The event will feature a photo exhibition depicting the evolution of the Cosmos over the past five years. Four professional photographers will display their work.  

Szetela, a former U.S. Men’s National Team player and the current Cosmos captain, will join team historian Dr. David Kilpatrick and other notable Cosmos at the event.

The Cosmos were founded in 1970 and featured all-time great players Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer. The club competed in the North American Soccer League, which folded in 1985.

But the Cosmos were reborn in 2010 and joined the new NASL. Since 2013, the club has played at Coney Island’s MCU Park. The team recruited Spanish legend Raúl to complement a foundation of local stars like Szetela and, in recent years, Jonathan Borrajo who runs a soccer-based fitness academy in Astoria.

Cosmos support cheer on their club at their old home field at Hofstra University. // Photo by Steve Hamlin