With their second incarnation in the North American Soccer League a little more than a week ago, the New York Cosmos announced a pair of international signings.
The club, which will kick off its season Aug. 3 against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium, has signed Italian striker Alessandro Noselli and Brazilian defender Roversio.
Noselli, 32, scored 32 goals in 99 appearances during four seasons with Sassuolo in Italy’s Serie B, including a career-high 18 goals during the 2009-10 season.
“Alessandro will be a very positive addition to our forward line,” Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese said. “He’s a proven goal scorer who was productive in Serie B and can help lend his experience to our younger players.”
Noselli began his career with his hometown team Udinese and went on to play for Castel di Sangro, Avellino, South Tyrol, Triestina and Mantova. He also made appearances for the Italian U-15 and U-16 national teams.
“I’ve been training with the team the past few weeks and have been really impressed with the level of play,” Noselli said. “The Cosmos name has so much history and New York is an incredible city, so it’s long been a dream of mine to live and play here.”
Roversio, 29, is a 6-foot-2 center back who most recently played for Orduspor in the TFF First League in Turkey. He began his career in his native Brazil with Santa Cruz Futebol Clube before moving on to Gil Vicente F.C. in Portugal, Pacos Ferreira in Portugal and Osasuna in Spain.
“Riversio is a big presence in the back and a great addition to our lineup,” Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese said. “With his size and experience, I believe he strengthens our defense. We’re extremely pleased to get him because he had other options in Europe and the U.S.”
Riversio said the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Brazilian legends Pele and Carlos Alberto, who competed in the Cosmos heyday in the late 70s, was something he couldn’t pass up.
“The New York Cosmos are such a historic club that when Gio told me about the project, there were no words but yes,” he said. “I am thrilled to wear the same shirt that my legendary countrymen Pele and Carlos Alberto wore. This is a very special moment for me.”
The Cosmos are currently on a preseason trip to London where they will take on Leyton Orient and Gillingham in exhibition matches ahead of their anticipated season opener.
The Cosmos first season back on the field is expected to bolster the Nassau County economy.
According to an analysis conducted by Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos, Cosmos home games will generate about $9.5 million in local economic activity if the club reaches 50 percent attendance. If the team sells out its seven home games, the country is expected to bring in up to $19 million.
“We welcome the Cosmos to Nassau County,” Maragos said. “The Cosmos return will give not only our local economy a boost, but also a huge boost to the sport’s popularity amongst our young who can aspire to professional play.”
