(Photo Courtesy: Columbia University Athletics)

The New York Cosmos announced today that Kevin Anderson has been named Head Coach of the New York Cosmos B, ahead of the 2017 National Premier Soccer League. The former Major League Soccer midfielder and Head Coach of Columbia Men’s Soccer Program brings years of experience to the club.

“We would like to welcome Kevin to our club and the Cosmos B organization,” said Cosmos Head Coach and Sporting Director, Giovanni Savarese. “”His extensive experience will help the team further expand its reach, as we continue to pursue yet another successful NPSL Season.”

A five-year veteran of Major League Soccer, Anderson was the seventh overall pick in the 1999 MLS Supplemental Draft. Selected by the Colorado Rapids, he was then traded in 2000 to the Tampa Bay Mutiny. After spending time on loan, he finished his career with the Minnesota Thunder in 2003.

Anderson began his coaching career in 1993 as an Assistant with the Columbia Lions. He later served as Assistant Coach for Southern Connecticut State, until returning to Columbia in 2004, also spending time as an Interim Head Coach in 2006. Shortly after, he moved to Boston College as an Assistant Coach until later returning once again to Columbia in 2009, this time as Head Coach.

“I’m honored to become a part of the most storied franchise in North American Soccer history. I want to first thank Rocco B. Commisso for his tremendous leadership and for taking on this enormous responsibility and Giovanni Savarese for entrusting me with the responsibility of developing and preparing players for the first team,” said Anderson. “As a young boy in this community I grew up watching the legends of the past playing at Giants Stadium while the Cosmos banner hung in my room. I understand the responsibility that comes with this position and will work diligently and with integrity to serve this organization, its players, our community and fans.”

The seasoned manager looks to improve upon Cosmos B 2016’s overall record of 12 wins, two draws and three defeats. The team fell short in the semifinals of the NPSL Playoffs Northeast Region last year. Anderson will strive to bring back a title, last won by the Cosmos in 2015. Cosmos B will start the upcoming season in May as the 2017 NPSL season gets underway.