Cosmos Add Israeli International Kobi Moyal

 

“We are very happy to add Kobi to our roster,” Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese said. “Besides his experience, he brings a contagious passion for the game that will help the team continue to grow.”

 

Moyal, 30, began his career at Beitar Jerusalem, playing for both the youth and senior teams. The Israeli native made over 100 appearances for Beitar's first team, winning the 2006-07 Israeli Championship and 2009-10 Toto Cup in the process.

 

Following loan spells at Hapoel Kfar Saba and Bnei Yehuda, Moyal joined Sheriff Tiraspol in the Divizia Naţională (Moldova's top division) for the 2013-14 season. The midfielder added more silverware to his trophy cabinet, contributing to the team's championship win that season. He quickly became a fan favorite, especially during Sheriff's 2013-14 UEFA Europa League campaign. Despite the team's 4-1 loss on aggregate to Tottenham Hotspur in the Group Stage, Moyal's performance against the English giants earned him the nickname “Gattuso”, after the famed Italy international.

 

Moyal made his Israel national-team debut on June 2, 2014, coming off the bench in the 81st minute in an exhibition match against Honduras.

 

The talented midfielder returned to play club soccer in Israel in July 2014, featuring for Maccabi Haifa. He continued his winning trend, adding the 2015-16 Israel State Cup to his growing collection.

 

Moyal rejoined Beitar for the 2016-17 season, making 13 appearances in league play, five in cup competition, and four in the Europa League for his boyhood club.

 

“I am very happy to join the New York Cosmos,” Moyal said. “This is a historic organization to be a part of and I look forward to contributing in any way I can.”