Q: Let's start with a simple question. What is the impact that Raúl has with the Cosmos in terms of his presence both on and off the field?

Stover: On the field and in the locker room he brings a new level of professionalism. We have great players on the team that have done great things, like Marcos Senna, but Raúl's determination and competitiveness is legendary. Off the field he helps with all of our commercial operations.

Q: Thanks for doing the AMA! What is it that the Cosmos do that manages to get them into these major foreign tournaments such as the one in China? And what can other NASL teams do to have the same opportunity?

Stover: The legacy of the club helps. Players such as Marcos Senna and Raúl also help. The more you do it, the more the offers come in.

For the second part of your question - Signing marquee players is a huge help. Being aggressive in building your global network leads to opportunities.

Q: The defense seems to be the weak point of the team, are there plans for more additions to the backline?

Stover: It's not necessarily a weakness on our team. We've given up very few goals in the preseason, and we all have to remember it is the preseason. We had some difficult moments, but we were playing at times with a makeshift backline due to three guys out with injury.

I think it was a great opportunity in front of 30,000 people in El Salvador for some new guys to be tested. I'm happy to say Ayoze and Rovérsio seem to be coming back well from their injuries. They've been training fully this week.

With that said, we're always looking to add players at all positions.

Q: How are attendance forecasts trending compared to last year? Are there more season ticket holders than last year? With the big name signings and new ownership groups, do you foresee a significant boost in attendance across the league?

Stover: Attendance has increased every year throughout the league. Jacksonville appears to be doing extremely well, and will probably help lead the way for further growth.

Our style of play is attractive, possession, attacking-style soccer with players who are world legends such as Raúl and Marcos Senna, and international players such as El Salvador captain Andrés Flores. We need our supporters to help us carry that message out to family and friends.

Q: What would it mean to the organization to go advance further in the U.S. Open Cup this year? What are the club's expectations? (As supporters we want to win the whole thing...at home if possible).

Stover: Whenever there's a trophy on the line we take the matches seriously and play to win the games. The Open Cup is important for all of the NASL because we believe our product on the field has closed the gap with MLS in a few short years.

Q: For those of us who use mass transit to get to the games, is there a chance of discounted LIRR tickets being offered to season ticket holders in lieu of a parking pass?

Stover: Very good question. I'll look into it. We've done discounted promotions with LIRR. We should definitely consider full season as an option.

Q: The supporters are requesting more updates on kits, both for availability to purchase and the new design. Almost 48 hours have passed. Anything more to share?

Stover: We'll be sharing information about our third kit over the weekend.

Q: How do you think the Cosmos preseason tour has impacted the team in preparation of the new season? 

Stover: It was essential. Training in New York wasn't an option due to the weather. It also gave us the opportunity to play in front of over 70,000 fans. We got games against high level competition. It was a commercial success, which allows us to reinvest back into the club.

Q: What is the status on Cosmos trialists? Any signings coming?

Stover: We're currently looking at a few players. We expect an announcement on at least one of them by early next week.

Q: If you get the choice for the Cosmos: Messi or Ronaldo? (Hypothetically)

Stover: Why can't both wear green?

For the full AMA click here