The Cosmos begin their quest for another trophy in their opening NISA Fall Season match tonight, facing the Michigan Stars at Mitchel Athletic Complex. The Cosmos return to league action following their participation in the NISA Independent Cup, drawing two matches with New Amsterdam FC and Maryland Bobcats FC, respectively.

Tonight presents a familiar foe to the Cosmos, as they defeated the Stars twice in the NPSL Members Cup last summer – each by a scoreline of 2-0. Michigan opened their Fall Season with a victory over Chattanooga FC last weekend, and Head Coach Carlos Mendes points to that result as proof of the Stars improvement this year.

"I think they're a better team than last season," he said. "They've made changes from what we've seen in their system, too. We expect a very tough game. Michigan works very hard on both ends of the bal. If we're going to get three points tonight, we're going to have to be at our best and be a little bit more clinical when we get opportunities. From what we've seen, they've definitely upped the level of the team."

Leading the club against the Stars will be captain Danny Szetela, who returns for his eight year in green and white. Despite the circumstances and the shortened season, Szetela is confident in the Cosmos talent and taps them to excel in the Fall Season.

"I think we'll do very well," Szetela said. "Our expectations are to win. We know since the beginning of 2013, when the Cosmos rebooted, every team comes out to play against us like it's a final. It's important we match the team's intensity. They're going to come out physical. They're going to come out flying. We have to make sure we do that. The guys have to be prepared."

Fans can stream tonight’s opening match of the 2020 NISA Fall Season on MyCujoo, as well as get live updates on FotMob.

The Cosmos next match of the Fall Season will come on the road against New Amsterdam FC on Friday, August 21.