New York’s best Scottish soccer talent is set to make its debut appearance in the Cosmos Copa tournament this Sunday, 23 June, where they will face teams representing Gambia, England, and Paraguay.
The Copa tournament, run by the famous New York Cosmos soccer club, is now in its fifth year and has established itself as one of the area’s premier soccer events bringing together players representing nations as diverse as Mali, Afghanistan, and Bolivia.
“The boys have been working hard since April,” said NYC Scotland president Colin Reid. “They’ve been training on Tuesday nights and playing matches against other Copa teams on Sundays. We’re ready to take on the world.”
NYC Scotland have recruited from local leagues and colleges, picking up young players on scholarships to NCAA Division I and II schools as well as experienced hands from the top divisions of the Cosmopolitan League.
However the Scots were dealt a blow this week when it emerged that star left winger Scott Cowan had been signed by the New York Red Bulls academy, ruling him out of the tournament.
Against this, ex-Livingston full-back Ruaridh Caulfield became a late addition to the squad and midfielder Barry Pearson – who needed 22 stitches after gashing his leg in a friendly against NYC Japan – has been confirmed fit to play.
“There’s a good team spirit about the squad now,” said co-coach Malcolm Anderson. Fellow coach Mark Wilson said the side need to play “simple football” which would highlight the team’s strengths in passing and movement.
NYC Scotland’s matches will be played on Randalls Island fields 75 and 83. They play NYC Gambia at 10.20am, NYC England at 1.50pm, and NYC Paraguay at 4pm. The winner of the group automatically qualifies for the group stage final 16 along with the single best runner-up from the seven qualifying groups.
You can read more at the New York Tartan Army website and follow the team at their Facebook page and on Twitter.
The full draw for the Cosmos Copa tournament is here.
HOW TO GET TO RANDALLS ISLAND
– 6 train to 103rd Street, walk along 102nd to the FDR, cross the bridge and follow the road along the south side of the island. Approx. 20 minute walk.
– drive or taxi from 125 St – go through the Triboro/RFK toll, bear right, take the Randalls Island exit, turn right at the T junction and we’ll be on your right
– M35 bus from 125 St
– from Queens – best to drive or take a car service