New York Cosmos return to playing field on August 3

The second tier North American Soccer League (NASL) and New York Cosmos have announced that the Cosmos will return to the playing field on August 3, 2013, when they host their longtime NASL rivals the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Hofstra University's James M. Shuart Stadium. Further the NY Cosmos also announced ticket pricing for its 2013 season.

"We're thrilled to return to the playing field against our historic rivals and take this first step towards returning to the top and delivering the New York Cosmos to the stature and prominence they deserve," Cosmos COO Erik Stover said. "We've been working as hard as we can to put together the best possible club and we're excited to see this team take the field."

New York Cosmos season ticket packages for the 2013 Fall Season range from $96 to $224 per seat, with all-inclusive Club Seat packages available for $680 per seat. The club is currently accepting deposits for priority access once season tickets go on sale. Further details can be found at nycosmos.com/tickets.

The Cosmos and Strikers last met on May 8, 1983. Six years earlier, the two teams participated in one of the most memorable soccer games of all-time held on U.S. soil. On August 14, 1977; 77,691 fans packed Giants Stadium for a playoff match-up, setting the then-U.S. attendance record for a game between two club teams. The pair also contested Soccer Bowl 1980 with the Cosmos prevailing 3-0 and winning their fourth title.

The Cosmos will make their debut in the NASL's Fall Schedule, which begins August 3 and concludes November 9. Each of the eight participating teams will play the other seven teams in the league once at home and once on the road for a total of 14 games. Subsequently, the winner of the Spring Championship will host the winner of the Fall Schedule in a "winner-take-all" match in the NASL Soccer Bowl to determine the 2013 NASL Champion. The Soccer Bowl will take place the weekend of November 16, 2013.

The full Fall Season schedule can be found at nycosmos.com/schedule.