Jochen Graf: “I can’t wait to get to New York, meet my teammates and my coaches, and get to work.” (Photo courtesy of the Cosmos)
NEW YORK – The Cosmos continued to bolster their roster Thursday, signing of veteran forward Jochen Graf.
The 29-year-old joins an attack that included Bledi Bardic and Darwin Espinal among its ranks.
Graf will be eligible to play in the National Premier Soccer League and the NPSL Founders Cup.
“It’s such a great feeling to be joining an iconic club like the Cosmos,” Graf said. “It’s a first-class organization and has a name that is recognized all over the world. I’m grateful to the people who have helped make this happen and for the belief the club has shown in me.
“I can’t wait to get to New York, meet my teammates and my coaches, and get to work.”
Graf’s professional career began in Germany with TSV Hertha Walheim before moving to Sweden for three seasons where he suited up for Lidköpings FK, Carlstad United BK and Oskarshamns AIK.
“We really like Jochen,” Cosmos head coach Carlos Mendes said. “We love his mentality. He’s a forward who will work all day, offensively and defensively. He gets in behind defenders, he’s difficult to play against, and he’ll bring a lot to us. He’s a proven goalscorer and he’ll help us tremendously.”
He moved back to the United States and scored 11 goals for the Rochester Rhinos in the United Soccer League in 2017 before joining the Tampa Bay Rowdies last season as well as spending time on loan with Reno 1868.
“As we build our roster, we’re still adding players who will make us dangerous going forward,” Cosmos senior vice president Joe Barone said. ”We believe Jochen will fit in well with the attacking players already with us, and we’re happy to have him in the squad this season.”
“We really like Jochen,” Cosmos head coach Carlos Mendes said. “We love his mentality. He’s a forward who will work all day, offensively and defensively. He gets in behind defenders, he’s difficult to play against, and he’ll bring a lot to us. He’s a proven goalscorer and he’ll help us tremendously.”
More info on the team and 2019 NPSL Founders Cup will be announced at a later date.
