Cosmos look to fortify CB position

In the offseason, the Cosmos were confident they had found an experienced center back to pair with Anderson Holt, having signing Marcelo Lage from Richmond Kickers. However, things changed in mid-February as the club parted ways with Lage. The club issued the following statement at the time; “The club and Marcelo Lage have mutually parted ways”.

Since that time, Cosmos have been actively looking for another experienced center back. While the Cosmos current group of center backs is talented, the group lacks experience. The 21 year old Holt is the most experienced of the group, having played 40 matches for Union Omaha. Davide Materazzi and Luis Del Rio will be making their debut in league one this season. Another player who has played the position in the pre-season is the young Massimo Morabito, but he is seen as a right back.

Over the last few weeks, the Cosmos have scoured the USL market in hopes of securing a new center back to start the season. One player with local ties, having previously played for New York Red Bulls Academy and TSF Academy, Salvador Pliego, is currently being looked at by the Cosmos. The 25 year old Pliego has received minutes in the clubs last pre-season matches. The 6’ 6 center back has played for the reserve sides of Pumas Unam and Spanish side Club Deportivo Leganés. Since than he has played professionally in Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Philippines, before returning to Mexico in 2025 to sign with Tlaxcala Fútbol Club.

A player who is rumored to have signed with the club is former Texoma FC player Jordan Chavez. The 29 year old Chavez captained Texoma in USL League One last season, and appeared in 28 games scoring two goals. He has experience playing in USL Championship, having played for San Diego Loyal and Orange County FC. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons he was an important player for Central Valley Fuego, appearing in 54 matches with three goals. Having played in over 100 games in the USL, Chavez would bring experience to the back line. Chavez is also noted for his character, and that is seen as an important quality by the Cosmos.

Chavez appeared in the clubs last pre-season match against NY Renegades FC, a match the Cosmos won 4-2, despite being down 0-2 at halftime. Chavez displayed good awareness and was good on the ball as he paired with Anderson Holt in the back. Expect an announcement soon as the club finalizes its roster.