2016 NASL Golden Ball Winner Juan Arango Returns To Cosmos

The New York Cosmos announced today the re-signing of 2016 NASL Golden Ball award winner Juan Arango, who helped the club lift the Soccer Bowl Trophy as well. The deal is pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.

 

“We welcome the 2016 NASL MVP, Juan Arango, back to our club,” Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese. "His experience and quality will provide a tremendous resource to our team this year".

 

Arango, 37, originally joined the Cosmos in January 2016, becoming one of the team's key players in a Championship-winning 2016 NASL Season. The Venezuela native, who started all 29 of his games for New York, was named NASL Player of the Month for October 2016 and earned 10 Team of the Week honors. Arango also picked up two Player of the Week nods. He scored a total of 15 goals and produced seven assists for the defending NASL Champions, finishing second in the league in both categories.

 

Arango played a pivotal role in the Cosmos' postseason triumph. The midfielder headed in a 73rd minute equalizer against Rayo OKC in The Championship Semifinal, before setting up the 90th-minute game-winner that sent the Cosmos to The Championship Final in consecutive years. The 2016 NASL Golden Ball recipient then helped the Cosmos lift the Soccer Bowl Trophy.

 

“This is a great time for me to return to the Cosmos,” Arango said. “After winning the title last year, one can only feel fortunate to wear this jersey once again. I look forward to step on the pitch and help the team in any way I can.”

 

Arango began his career in Venezuela, featuring for Zulia FC and Caracas. He made a move to Mexico in 2000, signing with Monterrey before playing for Pachuca, Puebla, and Tijuana. Arango helped Pachuca win the 2002 CONCACAF Champions' Cup. He was tied for the tournament's top scorer with Monarcas Morelia's Alex Fernandes with four goals.

 

The skillful midfielder joined Spanish side RCD Mallorca in 2004. He spent five years at the club, becoming its top scorer in the 2005-06 season with 11 goals. Arango bagged a total of 46 goals in 183 matches. He remains the club's second all-time top scorer to this day.

 

Arango signed for Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2009. He left a lasting impression in the Bundesliga, netting in 25 goals and providing 49 assists in 155 appearances.

 

Arango has shone for both club and country, setting two records for Venezuela's national team as the all-time leader in appearances (129) and goals (23). The legendary captain led La Vinotinto to a historic fourth place finish in Copa América 2011, and appeared in six editions of the prestigious tournament.

 

The veteran midfielder returned to his boyhood club, Zulia FC, in Venezuela's top tier in January 2017. He made 21 appearances for Los Petroleros in all competitions, scoring four goals and making five assists. Arango featured in the club's Copa Libertadores campaign, recording two goals and one assist in six games.