Cosmos Strengthen Defense with Returning Players

Published on January 23, 2017 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
New York Cosmos News Release


NEW YORK - The New York Cosmos announced today the return of fullback Jimmy Mulligan and goalkeeper Kyle Zobeck. As per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

"I'm very pleased to see another two players returning to the team," said Cosmos Head Coach and Sporting Director Giovanni Savarese. "With Mendes, Ochieng and Richter already on the roster, we are starting to build up our defense as we look to start our 2017 campaign," he added.

Jimmy Mulligan, 25, is a Long Island native, who signed with the club in 2014, making his professional debut that same year. He spent the beginning of the 2016 season on loan to Swope Park Rangers, making 17 appearances (16 starts) during their inaugural United Soccer League (USL) season, logging 1,432 minutes on the pitch.

Mulligan served as captain in his senior season at St. John's University, leading the Red Storm to the Second Round of the 2013 NCAA Tournament.

"New York is my home so I'm very happy to be returning to the Cosmos as we look to defend our title," said Jimmy Mulligan.

Kyle Zobeck, 26, first signed with the Cosmos as a reserve goalkeeper on March 26, 2014, making his professional debut against Minnesota United FC that year.

During his freshman season at Valparaiso University Zobeck didn't miss a minute in goal, setting a school record for goals against average (GAA) that he would break two seasons later. His 11 shutouts and 0.66 GAA as a junior earned him Horizon League Goalkeeper of the Year honors. Zobeck was a second round selection by FC Dallas in the 2013 Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft.

"I'm really looking forward to get back to work," commented Kyle Zobeck. "We've only got a couple of months until the season starts but we'll be ready," he added.

About the Cosmos The New York Cosmos are reigning champions of the NASL, having won their second consecutive NASL Championship and eighth overall on Nov. 13, 2016, with a 4-2 win on penalties over the Indy Eleven in The Championship Final.

The Cosmos began play in 1971, spending 14 seasons in the NASL, winning five league championships. During this time, the club brought some of the biggest names in world soccer to the USA including Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, Giorgio Chinaglia and Carlos Alberto.

The Cosmos returned to NASL competition on Aug. 3, 2013, winning the championship in their first season back in the league. Raî=BAl and Marcos Senna, legends at famed Spanish sides Real Madrid and Villarreal CF, each suited up in Cosmos colors for modern era championship runs, adding their names to the impressive list of global soccer stars who played with the club.

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