NY Cosmos Leaving Long Island, Heading to Brooklyn

The New York Cosmos, the professional soccer team that has called Long Island home, announced on Thursday that it is leaving Long Island to play in Brooklyn.

The Cosmos have played at Hofstra University's Shuart Stadium since the team was reformed in in 2013. But the team will start the 2017 season in April at MCU Park in Brooklyn, home of the Mets' minor-league affiliate, the Brooklyn Cyclones.

"When I took control of the club on Jan. 10, our immediate priorities were to stabilize the NASL, re-hire the Cosmos front office personnel and coaching staff, rebuild our team roster and relocate to a fan friendly venue within the five boroughs," said Cosmos Chairman Rocco B. Commisso in a statement. "In less than a month, we have achieved those objectives, including re-signing many of the starters from our 2016 Championship Team."

The Cosmos have been facing trouble for months. Late last year, the Cosmos laid off most of its staff and let many of its players go. The future of its league, the NASL, was uncertain, as teams moved up to the MLS and leagues beneath it absorbed NASL teams.In addition, in December the state rejected the Cosmos's proposal to build a stadium on property at the Belmont Racetrack. It would have been a 25,000-seat soccer stadium, along with a 175-room hotel, nine restaurants and more than 300,000 square feet of retail space.

But the league has rebounded, the Cosmos have re-hired staff and players, and the move signals a new start for the team.

MCU Park is located on the Coney Island Boardwalk, under the Parachute Jump. It is a far cry from the college field the Cosmos were playing on. The Cosmos say it has ample parking, and is served by the D, F, N and Q trains and numerous bus routes from the adjacent Coney Island – Stillwell Avenue Station.

"During the Cosmos’ inaugural season in 1971, the team played at Yankee Stadium," said Commisso. "With our move to MCU Park in Brooklyn, we are not only able to offer fans easy access to a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, but we are also reconnecting the club to its original New York City roots."

Though Long Island is losing the team, New York City was happy to welcome them.

"With the Cosmos coming to Brooklyn, we're adding a world class franchise to New York City's proud soccer tradition," said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. "We couldn't be more proud to welcome the New York Cosmos to the five boroughs."

Photo: New York Cosmos