UNIONDALE, N.Y. – Cosmos B added two more players Friday.
Former LA Galaxy and LA Galaxy II midfielder-right back, Rafa Garcia has signed with with the club, the National Premier Soccer League team announced, as did forward-attacking midfielder Darwin Espinal.
Over the past five seasons, the 29-year-old Garcia made more than 70 combined appearances for both team and won two MLS Cups (2012 and 2014).
“Rafa has a lot of experience and is a natural leader,” Cosmos B head coach Carlos Mendes said. “He has served as captain of Galaxy II and his championship experience will be invaluable. We have a belief in a style of play and the character of our club. Rafa should fit in well.”
The team’s attack also got a boost with the addition of Espinal. He spent last season with Reno 1868 of the United Soccer League, scoring twice in 12 appearances. In 2015 and 2016 the 23-year-old Espinal made 25 appearances for the NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies and scored four goals.
“I’m eager to see Darwin in training,” Mendes said. “I really like how our attacking options are shaping up. With Bledi, Woj, Bartley and now Darwin, we’ll be able to consider different formations and to play different styles depending on our match ups.”
Cosmos B’s first NPSL match will be against Boston City F.C. Sunday, April 29 at 6 p.m. at Malden Catholic High School in Malden, Mass.
The club will meet the Brooklyn Italians in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play-in round on Sunday, May 5 at 8 p.m. at Long Island University Brooklyn.
The team will meet LIU Post in a preseason scrimmage in Brookville, N.Y. at 1 p.m. Saturday.
