Letitia James, the Public Advocate of the City of New York, has sent a leter to U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati, supporting the Cosmos’ and North American Soccer League’s bid to retain Division Two status for 2018.

The U.S. Soccer Federation rescinded the league’s D-2 status as the NASL is fighting the decision in court.

Over the past month, several NYC politicians have written letters to the USSF, backing the Cosmos and NASL.

James wrote that the Cosmos was a welcome addition to Coney Island in Brooklyn, which has attracted thousands of visitors “extending the tourist season well beyond the summer months.”

“The Cosmos organization has created numerous jobs in New York State for players, coaches, front office personnel, and stadium workers. Area restaurants, bars, hotels, and amusement parks have all benefitted from the increased tourism brought in by visiting Cosmos fans,” she wrote.

“The Cosmos participation in a Division 2 level league is vital for maintaining this sporting and economic success in New York. If they meet the requirements, I urge you to maintain the Cosmos and NASL Division 2 status so they can remain an asset to Coney Island, Brooklyn and the New York area.”

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.