April 10, 2012
GOING FOURTH
Cosmos Copa holds 4th edition in summer

Cosmos Copa will return this summer for its fourth year.

Cosmos Copa is one of the nation’s preeminent amateur adult soccer tournaments that unites New York City’s diverse soccer community.

The tournament is a NYC “World Cup-style” event where the best NYC soccer players represent their country of heritage. Local teams representing 28 different countries will compete for the title of “Cosmos Copa City Champion” – in honor of both New York City as well as their country of origin.

Cosmos Copa has partnered with the Cosmopolitan Soccer League and Modell’s Sporting Goods to engage the 28 local communities of the teams.

Every year, the tournament begins with a qualifying round, which will be spread out over two weekends in June. The qualifying teams this year are: Albania, Argentina, Bolivia, Croatia, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Guyana, Holland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kosova, Liberia, Portugal, Russia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Spain, USA, and Uruguay.

These 20 teams will be competing for the remaining eight spots available for this year’s Cosmos Copa tournament, taking place in late July. Last year’s eight quarterfinalists -- Colombia, England, Greece, Haiti, Ireland, Jamaica, Poland and Senegal -- will round out the rest of the tournament. All games will take place within the city's five boroughs.

The official Cosmos Copa tournament draw will take place on Tuesday, June 26 and will feature former MetroStars striker Giovanni Savarese and Cosmos goalkeeper Shep Messing among other guests.

The tentative 2012 Cosmos Copa Tournament Dates are as follows (dates subject to change):

* Official Draw Party: June 26

* Group Stage: July 14 and 15

* Quarterfinals: July 21

* Semifinals: July 22

* Finals: July 28