The New York Cosmos announced Friday the signing of John Denis and CJ Weinstein for the upcoming 2020 NISA Season. Both signings are subject to USSF and NISA approval.

“We’re excited and happy to have John and CJ with us. I think they’re both going to make this a much more competitive environment,” said New York Cosmos Head Coach, Carlos Mendes. “We still have to add a few more pieces, but we’re very comfortable and happy with how our roster is coming together. We have a lot of good players, but the way they’ve gelled and gotten back into training has been such a positive and a joy to be a part of. We’re looking forward to the season.”

John Denis, a recent graduate of Columbia University, comes to the Cosmos with experience at the U-19 National Team level, where he joined former Cosmos midfielder Eric Calvillo for 2016 Copa del Atlántico. The Yorktown Heights native registered seven goals and four assists in his senior campaign and provided creativity in the Lions attack both as a midfielder and a forward in his college career. Denis also featured for the New York Red Bulls U-23 side during their 2018 season.

“I am very excited and grateful to sign with such an historic club,” said Denis. “I want to thank the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity and my teammates for taking me in with open arms. I’m thrilled to be part of the group and I am looking forward to working cohesively to meet the demands of the team.”

“John Denis has done very well since coming in,” commented Mendes. “He’s a creative player, very technical, good on the ball – he’s comfortable with going at people and making things happen. I think he’ll push our level up and bring some younger legs to our team. He’s a hard worker and I think he’ll fit in nicely with how we like to play and understand the game.”

CJ Weinstein signs his first professional contract with the Cosmos following a stint as a trialist with New York Red Bull II of the USL-Championship. Weinstein also enjoyed a successful college career at Sacred Heart University, starting forty-four games for Big Red in the past three seasons.

“From my first training session I felt the passion of all the players who brought me in and made me feel like part of the Cosmos family,” said Weinstein. “I am very excited to get started and learn from each and every player. I cannot thank the coaching staff enough for this opportunity, and I am ready to prove myself every day.”

“CJ’s someone that’s been with us in the past before finishing school, and we see a lot of potential in him,” added Mendes. “We’re excited to have him. There’s a lot of veteran guys at the back that I think will help our younger players. CJ is a very versatile player, and someone that can play a couple of different positions for us.”

The Cosmos are currently in preparations for their participation in the NISA Independent Cup as well as the NISA Fall 2020 season. Both events will be played behind closed doors, and broadcast information will be announced in the coming weeks.