by ANTHONY J. MERCED

Columnist

It’s no secret how I feel about the US Open Cup. I’ve heard arguments trying to validate the event. “It’s the country’s oldest competition.” I’ve also never been too supportive of the CONCACAF Champions League, either. Both competitions have an even smaller footprint than MLS has in the sports television market, relegated to Fox Sports 2 most of the time (a channel I don’t even get in HD) or Goal TV.

Teams have feigned interest in the competition, at times not even sending out full squads to the events. Fans have also shared the team’s interest level, barely filling up stadiums.

With that said, the New York Cosmos are diametrically opposed to my point view and, in all honesty, they should be. The US Open Cup is important to them and the CONCACAF Champions League is an opportunity that is unavailable to them through the NASL in its current state. The Cosmos have a television deal with One World Sports — a new channel that has limited distribution in the New York market. Most notably, they are not present on Time Warner Cable and usually are part of a premium sports package as opposed to having basic availability. For that reason, they have a limited net of exposure in the New York market.

The US Open Cup offers the Cosmos a chance at the national stage. Winning the competition will give them that spot on Fox Sports 2 which, while not paramount to the general sports landscape, is quite an increase from what they currently have. The NASL cannot offer that due to their Division 2 status. Their championship does not grant automatic entry into the continental tournament.

For this reason, the Cosmos have stocked players specifically to win the barely noticeable cup competition and move up to the international stage. Raul was the first key to that success. He has the experience in cup competitions that is invaluable. He is also a another leader to a team who’s success depends on their star players like Senna, Mendes and Szetela.

In the press, the Cosmos have also stated how important the trophy is to them. Their exit from last year’s competition was a sizable blow to their campaign. Team officials and players expressed their displeasure with the controversial result in Philadelphia and spoke about it any chance they could.

Success in the competition is paramount and defeat this season would be seen as yet another massive blow. Each year that they cannot achieve that goal draws them further and further from the prize of global recognition.

The NASL is serving the purpose of giving the Cosmos local exposure. Raul’s inclusion in the line up should certainly show an increase in attendance — and hopefully more eyeballs on television. However, the team’s attitude towards the Spring Season seems to be as if it’s a warm up for the Open Cup. As rumors of Samuel Eto’o and other potential signings surface, the goal of international games seems more and more like the main goal. Domestic success is almost a consequence in their goal for global domination.

Surely, the Cosmos will come to compete in the Spring sprint. That, I will not question. However, putting all your hopes in the US Open Cup once again may mean a repeat of 2014, with high hopes crashing down followed by a somber ending to the season.