Cosmos Head To Dominican Republic For Preseason

The New York Cosmos announced Friday that the club will open the 2017 season with a three-game preseason schedule, which includes away matches against Dominican Soccer League sides Atlántico FC and Club Atlético Pantoja, as well as the Dominican Republic national team. 

“We anticipate an intense preseason, starting with our trip to the Dominican Republic,” Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese said. “Our first three matches will help us get the group together and integrate our latest signings to the squad. We look forward to starting the 2017 preseason the best possible way.”

The Cosmos will play their first preseason match against Atlántico FC in Puerto Plata on Tuesday, February 28 at Leonel Plácido Stadium. Atlántico was founded in 2014 and plays in the newly-formed Liga Dominicana de Fútbol (Dominican Soccer League). The team closed the 2015 season with a runner-up finish at the tournament.

The Cosmos will then travel to Santo Domingo to play against 2015 national champion, Club Atlético Pantoja, at Estadio Olimpico Félix Sanchez on Friday, March 3. The Warriors are coached by Venezuelan head coach Lenin Bastidas, who managed Atlántico FC the previous year.

The Dominican tour will conclude on Sunday, March 5 when the Cosmos become the first American professional soccer club to ever play against the Dominican national team. This match will also be played at Estadio Olimpico Félix Sanchez. Kickoff times for all three matches are to be determined and will be announced at a later date.

This will be the Cosmos’ second visit to the Dominican Republic. Their only appearance in the Caribbean country was in June of 1976, when they played a friendly match against Haitian side Violette Athletic Club. The Cosmos won, 2-1, with Pelé scoring the decisive goal at the end of the match.