Giovanni Savarese Hopes Cosmos Form Similar Bond To Brooklyn That He Already Has

When the whistle blows on Saturday to start the match between the New York Cosmos and Ottawa Fury FC, it will be played out just like any other – 90 minutes of two sides competing for three points. 

The match, however, will present a chance for the Cosmos to form a connection. At Brooklyn’s MCU Park, it will mark the first professional soccer contest in the ground and the first time the Cosmos play in the borough.

Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese already has that special connection to Brooklyn. He starred at Long Island University and scored 50 times, which nestles him at sixth in the school’s all-time scoring charts, in three seasons before a distinguished playing career that saw him represent Venezuela 30 times.

“It’s a good feeling to be able to go back there,” he said. “The New York community is very interconnected. It’ll be a special night.

“I went to LIU, lived in Brooklyn Heights, know the area well, and it’s great for us to play in Brooklyn – the first time the Cosmos play there. It’s exciting to play in an iconic location like Coney Island.”

The Cosmos played in the first match at TD Place and Ottawa will now return the favor at MCU Park. For New York, they’ll hope to continue their strong start that has them atop the Spring Season standings so far.

While the club has started out strong, Savarese believes they can always play even better – and could showcase another level this weekend.

“We can always improve, still grow,” Savarese said. “We’re on a good path. We need to make sure we don’t lose our focus.

“This is going to be a tough weekend against a very good team. It will be a battle.”

While the Cosmos seek another NASL win, Cosmos B are aiming for their first win, in their first match as a club, when they play the second match of a doubleheader.

“We’re excited because we’re growing as an organization,” Savarese said. “We’re committed to developing youth, and Cosmos B is fundamental in many ways.

“Having our first match against the Brooklyn Italians, a club we know very well is exciting. It’s going to add something special to an already special night.”

With the Cosmos and Cosmos B showcased on the pitch as well as boasting a coach that has had such a successful time playing in Brooklyn in the past, a bond between the club and borough should undoubtedly be formed.

“Brooklyn is a borough that loves soccer, and I think it’d be great for them to look at our team and get to know us a little better,” Savarese said.