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Cosmos' Title Defense Begins In Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico FC's new additions look to make their mark
NASL Staff (@naslofficial} | Mar 24, 2017

Photo credit: Puerto Rico FC

The New York Cosmos won their third NASL title in four years last November, winning on penalty kicks over Indy Eleven. The club’s title defense begins in the Caribbean on Saturday with a matchup against new-look Puerto Rico FC.

The Cosmos have returned the core of the squad that has brought so much success to the club over the years, including goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer, captain and defender Carlos Mendes, and midfielder Danny Szetela. New York didn’t rest on its laurels, though. The Cosmos added Italian forward Amauri to the attack, along with Salvadoran international Irvin Herrera. NASL veteran Richard Menjivar, also a Salvadoran international, joined the club, as did midfielders Javi Márquez and Juan Guerra.

Puerto Rico FC heads into the campaign with a young, hungry roster. The club added plenty of promising talent like Puerto Rican international Michael Ramos, but new additions Giuseppe Gentile, Conor Doyle, and Barcelona Academy product Jordi Quintillá will especially look to put their stamp on the side. Leading the line is Puerto Rican international Hector Ramos, who scored eight goals in the 2016 Fall Season. In the offseason, the club also signed Honduran international Jairo Puerto, who will add critical experience to the youthful squad.

New York owned its season series against Puerto Rico FC last year, winning both meetings, but this weekend’s hosts have benefitted from a competitive preseason lineup that included three international games in the Caribbean Club Championship.

Match Information
7:30 p.m. ET | Saturday, March 25
Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium | Bayamón, P.R.
Watch | beIN SPORTS (National – U.S.) beIN SPORTS CONNECT (National – U.S.), NASL.com (National – Canada)

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