Jimmy Ockford Joins Cosmos For Second Loan Stint

The New York Cosmos announced Wednesday a loan agreement with Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders FC for center back Jimmy Ockford. The 23-year-old, who was on loan to New York from Seattle two seasons ago, will join the Cosmos for their 2016 North American Soccer League campaign. 

Drafted by the Sounders in the second round of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, Ockford spent his first professional season with the Cosmos. The Yardley, Pa., native made 10 regular season appearances during New York’s 2014 NASL season, scoring twice. The first goal of his pro career was also a club milestone: Ockford nodded home an Ayoze corner kick against the Brooklyn Italians to net the first Cosmos goal in U.S. Open Cup history.

Ockford earned his first career MLS start in his home state on June 24, 2015, when the Sounders took on the Philadelphia Union.

“His energy and competitiveness make him a great option for us defensively,” Cosmos coach and Sporting Director Giovanni Savarese said of Ockford. “Jimmy fit in well with this team a couple seasons ago, and we’re happy to have him back at the club.”

“I learned so much here in my first pro season,” Ockford said. “Having an opportunity to return to the Cosmos is tremendous. I can’t wait to reunite with the players and coaches.”

The 6-foot-1 central defender was named American Athletic Conference Defender of the Year in his senior season at the University of Louisville, helping the Cardinals win the AAC title in 2013. Prior to Louisville, Ockford played three seasons at Mount St. Mary’s University as a forward and midfielder.