By Michael Lewis
FrontRowSoccer.com Editor
Former Cosmos midfielder Emmanuel Ledesma next will do his attacking damage in the United Soccer League.
Ledesma, 29, Thursday became the fifth Cosmos player to find employment as he signed with FC Cincinnati.
The North American Soccer League Best XI selection was a major key to the Cosmos’ late-season playoff push in 2017.
In only 19 games, in which he made 17 starts, Ledesma almost averaged a point a game, finishing with 10 goals and six assists. His sterling play helped the Cosmos clinch a spot in The Championship. New York reached the final, losing to the San Francisco Deltas, 2-0.
“Emmanuel is a fantastic attacking player that has the ability to make something out of nothing. He has proven himself around the world and is coming off an excellent season with the Cosmos,” Cincy head coach Alan Koch said in a statement. “We know that he will make a big impact with our club and we are excited to introduce him to our fans. He has an infectious personality and we look forward to working with him here in Cincinnati.”
A native of Argentina, the 5-11, 150-lb. Ledesma has played for several European sides, including the Genoa U-19 team (Italy’s Serie A), US Salernitana 1919 and Novara Calcio 1908 (Italy’s Serie B), Queens Park Rangers, Walsall FC, Middlesbrough, Rotherham United and Brentford FC (England) and Panetolikos Agrinio (Greece).
Four of Ledesma’s former Cosmos teammates have found teams.
In December, goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer signed with FC Dallas (Major League Soccer)while defender David Diosa inked a contract with the Real Monarchs (USL) and midfielder Irving Herrera hooked up with FAS in his native El Salvador.
Earlier this week, Argentine forward Pablo Vranjicán joined Alianza Petrolera F.C. (Colombia).
Head coach Giovanni Savarese has signed on to guide the Portland Timbers (Major League Soccer).