Bledi Bardic: “I got offers from a USL team and also from a Thailand team, but my decision was made to stay in the New York City area and continue with the club.” (Courtesy photo of Cosmos)
By Michael Lewis
FrontRowSoccer.com editor
Bledi Bardic had some outside offers, but he wants to remain a cosmos for 2020 and beyond, even if he has to wait until June to start pre-season training.
The Cosmos have moved to the National Independent Soccer Association for this year but won’t likely begin pre-season training until June, Bardic said.
“I want to return to Cosmos for 2020, although we will probably have to wait until June for the preseason but this has been my home for the last three years and I want to move forward with the club,” he said on Monday.
He has not yet received an exemption, but he is in contact with the club.
“I have received offers from a USL team as well as a Thai team, but my decision was made to stay in the New York City area and continue with the club,” said Bardic.
Bardic, who has been with Cosmos since 2017, also wanted to stay loyal to the club.
“The Kosmos is a special club,” he said. “It has a big name, the club has trophies and there are legends who played here before I was here, from the [original] NASL days. Whether NPSL or Members Cup, I didn’t care. I played for the badge and for the fans and gave everything every day. “
Last year, Cosmos began training for the NPSL season in March. With a few extra months leading up to this year’s season, Bardic said he hoped to continue playing in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League with the Cedar Stars Academy, as he did in the off-season in the past.
“I keep myself in shape, I train and I will probably keep playing [there]. The level is pretty good and will keep me fit and fit. “
Bardic’s goal this year with the team? Very simple – win a championship.
Despite three very good to excellent regular seasons in the National Premier Soccer League and the NPSL Members Cup in the last two seasons, the Cosmos could not bring home a championship trophy.
“We haven’t managed to win trophies in the last few seasons, but we were very close,” he said. “Hopefully we can win this year. It would be great for the club and the fans of this team. “
With NPSL Members Cup winners Detroit City FC and Chattanooga FC, the National Independent Soccer Association is set to be a competitive league. At least, Bardic hoped it would be.
“NISA looks like a good league, very professional and the level looks good. It is important that the club play in a PRO league again, ”he said.
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