Earlier this week, the New York Post reported that Major League Soccer was close to a deal with state and city officials for the construction of a brand new 25,000-seat arena to be used to bring a second local team to the MLS, joining the New York Red Bulls, who play in Harrison, NJ.
The stadium would cost around $300 million, which would be fully funded by the MLS ownership group bringing the team to New York, according to the Post’s report. The proposed stadium would be in Queens at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
The last professional soccer team to play in the city was the New York Cosmos, of the North American Soccer League. The Cosmos played from 1971-1984, playing home games throughout their run at Yankee Stadium, Hofstra Stadium, Downing Stadium in New York City and finally at Giants Stadium in New Jersey. The Cosmos arguably reached their peak of popularity when they acquired Brazilian star Pele.
Perhaps coincidentally, the New York Cosmos are set to return to action in 2013 as a member of the also rejuvenated North American Soccer League, which ended in 1984 and started back up in 2011 as a Division II professional league.
Many reports indicate that if the proposed Queens stadium is built, the Cosmos would make the jump to the MLS. Previously, the Montreal Impact moved to the MLS from the NASL this year.
Would you like to see a MLS team return to New York?
Living in the suburbs, I don't want to commute into the city area & have to pay high ticket prices & the high bridge toll. Plus, a Queens location would effect ticket sales for Red Bulls. Would love to see this in Dutchess, Orange, Rockland or Putnam. Bear Mountain Bridge is much more affordable to the fans. Ticket prices would be more affordable.