Reliving the Years of the Cardiac Cosmos
Fans gather for documentary screening about club’s 2015 US Open Cup triumph
Cosmos fans during the 2015 US Open Cup clash against New York City FC. Photo by Greg Jenkins.
By Noah Zimmerman
noah@queensledger.com
A crowd of a few dozen shared food, drinks, and New York Cosmos memories in Astoria last Wednesday night. Director Greg Jenkins and a passionate group of local soccer fans gathered at Rivercrest on Ditmars Boulevard to enjoy the first public screening of “Cardiac Cosmos 2015 US Open Cup,” a 36-minute documentary produced by Battle For New York.
Jenkins began documenting local soccer around the time the Cosmos made their return in the North American Soccer League and New York City FC made their debut in Major League Soccer. He noticed a unique possibility for a multi-team “derby” in the country’s deepest sports market.
In 2015 he realized something special was brewing on the pitch as the Cosmos had recently played against the New York Red Bulls in 2014. There was a three-team rivalry on the horizon, and local fanbases were reaching a fever point.
“I attended 45 total matches in 2015,” said Jenkins about the pivotal local soccer season. This included the first matchup between New York City and the Red Bulls, which was also turned into a short documentary.
Now with the Cosmos return on the horizon, it’s a perfect time for Jenkins and other local fans to revisit the glory days of the Cosmos.
“The Cosmos coming back is really exciting, especially since they have a stadium of their own, it’s something they never had even in the Pelé days.” said Jenkins. “I think it’s a great way to get people excited about the new season.”
The crowd seemed to travel a decade back in time during the screening, which included a significant amount of game and TV footage. The Cosmos fans booed New York City players and fans, jeered the referee’s calls (and lack thereof), and cheered on every play as if it was happening live.
“It was great to see that, it was like everyone was reliving the moments. Of all the games, I think this one really deserved to have this sort of treatment,” added Jenkins. “It took over 10 years to make this movie and it shows there’s still interest. It’s almost like the footage has gotten more valuable over time.”
“I loved getting to see all the faces in the documentary,” commented one person in attendance. “It really got me thinking about where these people all are now and I’m excited to see a lot of them again.”
The documentary brought back great memories of the Cosmos’ golden years. Now the club will attempt a comeback in 2026!
In recent years, the Open Cup was dealt blows to its legitimacy as a major competition. MLS, the only 1st division soccer league in the nation, opted to pull first teams from the competitions, instead sending reserves and academies to take on opposition from lower leagues.
“It’s an unfortunate decision for sure for MLS to not put their first teams into the Open Cup, MLS has disrespected the US Open Cup and that’s unfortunate, but maybe it gives teams like the Cosmos or Brooklyn FC a chance to beat their second team.”
The film concluded with a recap of the famed penalty shootout where the Cosmos came from behind late to miraculously defeat their new neighbors. The crowd erupted into celebration as the players and fans on screen cheered.
“Oooooh soy de Cosmos! (Oh, I’m for the Cosmos)” they chanted. “Es un sentimiento que no puedo parar (it’s a feeling I can’t stop).”
Rivercrest is a home to plenty of soccer watch parties, and they will be the home for Cosmos watch parties in 2026. They’re also frequented by local amateur and semi-pro teams like New York International FC and national team supporters groups like American Outlaws Queens.
“Cardiac Cosmos 2015 U.S. Open Cup” is now available to watch online at https://youtu.be/FUUSbMQ5kzg. To see more from Battle For New York, you can visit battlefornewyork.com.
