Above: the Cosmos in action

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The The New York Cosmos, the revival of what was perhaps the most famous football side in American sports history, will be visiting Cuba this year.

The Cosmos, who play in the North American Soccer League, will be playing the Leones del Caribe Cuban football team in Cuba June 2.

In doing so, the Cosmos will become the first American professional sports club to play in Cuba since the Baltimore Orioles did so in 1999.

“Regardless of the result, the Cosmos will further their cosmopolitan mission and continue to build upon their reputation as North America’s greatest soccer ambassadors with this historic trip to Havana,” the club said in a statement.

“This is historic, not just for you sports fans, but for those who are looking ahead to see what kind of world we are leaving for our children and grandchildren,” said US Congressman Charles Rangel, who was on hand for the press conference to announce the exhibition. “This is bringing the people together, more than presidents, more than secretaries of states, because nothing stops sports fans from enjoying their sports, the way soccer is taking over now.”