Kenyan International David Ochieng Signs with Cosmos

Published on February 16, 2016 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
New York Cosmos News Release


New York - The New York Cosmos announced today that central defender David Ochieng has signed with the club. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Ochieng, who stands 6-foot-2, debuted with Kenya's senior national team in 2012 and has since appeared in qualifying matches for the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. His first FIFA competition cap came on March 23, 2013 against Nigeria, a 1-1 draw in preliminary World Cup qualifying action for Africa. More recently, Ochieng started on Kenya's back line in a 5-2 World Cup qualifier victory over Mauritius on Oct. 7, 2015.

"We're excited to have David here with us for the 2016 season," said Cosmos Head Coach and Sporting Director Giovanni Savarese. "He is a young, talented national team player that can come here and enhance our strength in the middle of our defense."

"Joining the New York Cosmos is a privilege," Ochieng said. "I know this is a team with great history, and one that now prides itself on strong defense. I hope to contribute to that reputation through hard work."

At 18 years old Ochieng joined the senior squad of his hometown club, Nairobi Stima, in the second-tier Kenyan National Super League. A year later he moved to Tusker Football Club in Kenya's top flight, registering 18 appearances and scoring twice from 2012-13. Tusker were Kenyan Premier League champions in 2012.

In 2013 Ochieng joined Al-Taawoun FC of Saudi Arabia's top flight. He appeared in 52 matches over the course of two seasons for the club, scoring two goals.

About the Cosmos The New York Cosmos are reigning champions of the North American Soccer League (NASL), having captured their second league title in three seasons and seventh overall on Nov. 15, 2015 with a 3-2 win over Ottawa Fury FC in The Championship Final at Hofstra University's James M. Shuart Stadium.

The Cosmos began play in 1971, spending 14 seasons in the NASL, winning five Soccer Bowl trophies and bringing some of the biggest names in world soccer to the USA. This included Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, Giorgio Chinaglia and Carlos Alberto. It had been nearly 30 years since the Cosmos, an iconic global soccer club, played in a professional league. Yet throughout their absence, the club maintained a loyal and dedicated fan following.

On Aug. 3, 2013, the New York Cosmos returned to the NASL with a sellout win at Shuart Stadium, before embarking on a season that would see the Cosmos win the 2013 Soccer Bowl with a 1-0 victory against the Atlanta Silverbacks on Nov. 9, 2013 at Atlanta Silverbacks Park.

Raúl 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 to feature at the club.

The Cosmos submitted a privately-funded economic development proposal in 2013 to the State of New York to build a world-class 25,000-seat professional soccer stadium at Belmont Park. More information about the proposal and renderings can be found at newcosmosstadium.com.

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North American Soccer League Stories from February 16, 2016


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