By Noah Zimmerman
noah@queensledger.com
NY International celebrates a penalty shootout win in the CSL Division 1 playoffs. They put on an impressive display in their first season in the league’s top division.
Two of New York City’s brightest soccer clubs are joining forces ahead of the 2025-26 American Premier Soccer League (APSL) and Cosmopolitan Soccer League (CSL) seasons. Last week NY International FC announced that they are merging with Borgetto FC, integrating players into all three of their teams as they prepare for their first season of APSL play.
With their biggest challenge in club history looming, the Lions are making moves to try to ensure long-term success in a league notoriously difficult for newcomers in their first season.
“New York International is excited to welcome Borgetto FC into our footballing family!” said the club in their merger announcement on social media. “Borgetto club members will be joining our squad and board for the upcoming seasons as we bolster our ranks for the oncoming challenge.”
NY International had an impressive showing last season and will look to challenge the APSL in 2025-26.
International were on the verge of promotion all season long, battling Polonia SC for the top spot in the CSL’s top division. After finishing second in both the league and playoffs, International were given a chance for promotion to the APSL as Polonia and Long Island Soccer Football League (LISFL) winners NY Irish Rovers opted to remain in their respective leagues.
Both International and LISFL runner ups Leros SC were admitted into the league in their stead, moving up to one of the most competitive in the semi-professional circuit. They will both begin play in early September.
The Lions open up their APSL season at Jack McManus Park on Roosevelt Island on Sunday, September 7 at 4pm. Their first opponent is New Jersey club SC Vistula Garfield, who managed to escape a wild relegation battle last season by just one point.
The Lions’ second team will begin play in the CSL’s second division with their third team serving as the D2 reserve side. They will be able to play with a limited number of APSL rostered players throughout the season as they hunt a return to the top division.
