Schwartz: With Raul On Board, It's Like Old Times In Cosmos Country

By Peter Schwartz
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Back in the 1970s and '80s, the original New York Cosmos followed a specific blueprint. They spent a lot of money on big-name international players -- and they won championships.

The Cosmos won the 1972 North American Soccer League title with a roster full of players that not many people would remember. Randy Horton was their best player that year with nine goals and 22 points, but the team didn't generate much buzz in the crowded New York sports landscape.

But things began to change in 1975, when the Cosmos brought Pele out of retirement and signed him to a three-year contract. Then, in 1976, Italian star Giorgio Chinaglia joined the Cosmos. That was followed by the arrival of more stars like Franz Beckenbauer and Carlos Alberto.

Crowds of 60,000-70,000 at Giants Stadium were commonplace. The Cosmos were a phenomenon.

Four more NASL Soccer Bowl championships were won by the Cosmos in 1977, 1978, 1980 and 1982 before the league folded after the 1984 season.

Twenty-nine years later, the Cosmos returned to the field in the new NASL and picked up where they left off as they captured the 2013 Soccer Bowl. They did so with a dash of the formula from the glory years. Despite the league's second-division status in the United States, the Cosmos were able to bring in some international players like Marcos Senna, Ayoze and Roversio.

But what the current-day Cosmos have lacked is a star attraction at Shuart Stadium on the campus of Hofstra University. They needed to bring in someone -- like they did with Pele -- to capture the imagination of the local soccer community, someone who could help sell tickets.

As the Cosmos prepare for the playoffs in three weeks, they may have found the drawing card that they've been looking for -- and it's a guy that they've been coveting for quite some time.

According to a report, the Cosmos have agreed on contract terms on a multi-year deal with former Real Madrid and Spain striker Raul. The 37-year-old superstar is expected to join the team for the 2015 season and will also run the Cosmos' youth academy, which is expected to launch next year.

Raul suited up 102 times for the Spanish national team and scored 44 goals, second all-time to David Villa, who will join MLS expansion team NYCFC next season.

The Cosmos had been trying to land Raul, who recently visited New York, trained with the team, and attended a game a few weeks ago.

On October 4, Raul looked on as the Cosmos played to a 0-0 tie with the Indy Eleven. That night, fans in the crowd spotted Raul in a suite and chants of his name quickly made its way around Shuart Stadium.

After the game, Raul was leaving the suite entrance when he was met by a large group of fans who continued to chant his name and take cell phone pictures.

Without question, Raul is going to help the Cosmos sell tickets. He just might also help build momentum for the franchise to get their proposal approved to build a soccer-specific stadium next to Belmont Park.

This Saturday, the Cosmos play their regular-season home finale against the Tampa Bay Rowdies before closing their campaign on the road next week in San Antonio. The Cosmos, who have already clinched a playoff spot, have their short-term sights set on repeating as Soccer Bowl champions. But their long-term vision could have a greater impact on the franchise.

Nothing will ever come close to what the Cosmos did decades ago, but their name still resonates with soccer fans all over the world. They might not be in Major League Soccer, but with a growing interest in the sport, they still have an opportunity to make an impact in the marketplace.

A seventh Soccer Bowl title will add to the legacy of the franchise.

The signing of Raul will help sell tickets and merchandise.

Seems like old times in Cosmos Country!

You can follow me on Twitter @pschwartzcbsfan. You can also follow the @NYCosmos and Raul @7_RaulGlez.

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