2017 Cosmos B forward, Bledi Bardic, as well as defender, Harri Hawkins, will join the Cosmos senior team for the remainder of the season. 

 

“Bledi and Harri have worked very hard since the beginning of the season to earn a spot in the first team,” said Cosmos Head Coach and Sporting Director, Giovanni Savarese. “They have both shown desire when playing at the highest level and we are confident they will add value and depth to our squad.”

 

Bardic appeared in the Cosmos' last three Spring Season games. He debuted for the first team on July 4th, coming off the bench in the 80th minute against Indy Eleven. 

 

The Cosmos’ Spring Season closer against FC Edmonton saw Bardic come off the bench with five minutes to go into regulation time. The forward was quick to win a free kick, propelling a left-footed effort from the center of the box over the net soon after in a 1-0 road win for New York.

 

Hawkins, a six-foot three-inch defender from England, made his senior team debut in an international exhibition match against Valencia CF, starting for the Cosmos in a 2-0 victory over La Liga’s giants.

 

As Bardic and Hawkins suit up for the Cosmos first team, defender, Alexis Velela, will join C.F. Motril in Spain's third division on loan. Velela debuted for the Cosmos on September 3, 2016, coming on as a 49th minute substitute in a scoreless road draw against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The 19-year-old San Diego, California native also came off the bench in the Cosmos' Spring Season closer against the Eddies.

 

“This is a great opportunity for Alexis,” commented Savarese. “He will have the opportunity to play more minutes and get exposure to a different environment. We look forward to seeing him succeed with C.F. Motril.”

 

The Cosmos hit the road to play North Carolina FC on Saturday, August 26 at 7:30 pm. The team returns to MCU Park to take on Jacksonville Armada FC on Sunday, September 3 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.