John Neeskens (right) along with Cosmos vice president Joe Barone after Cosmos B captured the 2015 NPSL crown. (Photo courtesy of the Cosmos)
UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Cosmos B Wednesday signed former Cosmos John Neeskens and three other players Wednesday as the National Premier Soccer League club continued to bulk up for the season.
The team also signed defender Armando Guarnera, forward Zaire Bartley and central midfielder Mateo Durnago.
Neeskens, 24, spent the last three seasons in the United Soccer League and the lower divisions of Spanish football.
“John is a technically solid player that can play both center back and left back,” head coach Carlos Mendes said. “He’s a great guy and he knows our system. He’ll be a great asset in the locker room.”
Neeskens signed with Cosmos B in early 2015 and captained the team to an undefeated season, which included an NPSL championship. The organization inked him to a first-team deal shortly thereafter as he finished the year winning the 2015 NASL Championship.
Guarnera, 21, returns to Cosmos B for the second consecutive season. The 6-2 defender will bring depth to the backline.
The club also added young attacking options in Bartley, 20, and Durnago, 19.
Bartley is a Bronx native and formerly of Red Bulls II and the New York Red Bulls Academy.
“I like what Zaire has done so far in limited training,” Mendes said. “He’s good with the ball and has quick feet. He also fills an attacking role that’s important for us. We really like his potential.”
Durnago hails from Queens and the B.W. Gottschee Academy.
“I’ve had the chance to train with Mateo during this past offseason,” Mendes said. “He works hard and has the technical ability we’re always looking for. He also has good vision to distribute the ball.”
