By Noah Zimmerman
noah@queensledger.com
In 2015, the New York Cosmos etched an iconic “cupset” win into franchise history, defeating new MLS side New York City FC in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Now just over a decade later, and just ahead of the newly rebooted Cosmos’ debut in the USL, a documentary looks to recapture the magic of the club’s recent history.
Director Greg Jenkins first put together a short soccer film during NYC’s inaugural season. “Battle for New York (The Birth of the Hudson River Derby)” showcased fans of both clubs in the buildup to the first clash between the original MLS franchise New York Red Bulls and their new crosstown expansion rivals. Now Jenkins is revisiting that transformative year in New York soccer, focusing on another big match between new foes.
The Cosmos were reborn in the 2010s in an effort to earn a prospective MLS expansion franchise in New York. Instead it was New York City FC joining the top division league, backed by City Football Group and the New York Yankees.
The Cosmos were able to settle into the NASL (also attempting a comeback), winning a trio of championships in their first years back. Their first match against NYC came in the Open Cup in 2015, featuring a daring comeback and wild penalty shootout.
Jenkins and Rebel Talent are releasing a 30-minute documentary about the pivotal match and what it meant for both clubs that year. Fans in Astoria will be the ones with a first look at the new football short film.
“The Cardiac Cosmos 2015 CupSet” will screen at Rivercrest at 33-15 Ditmars Blvd in Astoria next Wednesday, February 11 at 7pm. There will be Cosmos executives and players in attendance, looking to enjoy one of the club’s first community events in the buildup to their 2026 season.
To RSVP for the screening, visit partiful.com/e/ADkvWhH7Am0Se4lB5VTW. Tickets are a $4 donation to EVLovesNYC to help the local food & resource nonprofit provide meals to the local community.
Your $4 donation to EVLovesNYC gets you access to the screening!
