by DAVE MARTINEZ

Is the Captain ready to come back for one more season? And will he be bringing along some of his friends for the ride?

EoS has learned that team captain Carlos Mendes is “close” to signing a new deal with the New York Cosmos. Meanwhile, fan favorites Jimmy Maurer and Ayoze are also in talks with the club.

Mendes, 36, joined the team in 2013. He started and appeared in 27 matches for the Soccer Bowl winning side last year. He has appeared in 96 matches for the Cosmos, starting in every appearance, scoring four goals and adding two assists. Mendes also manned the backline for New York in all three of their re-boot era Soccer Bowl championships. After the near-collapse of the club, Mendes was reportedly weighing out his options on whether to return to the game or retire. If he does return, this could very well be his final season as a professional soccer player.

Meanwhile, both Ayoze and Maurer are speaking to the club. However, each player has had contact with teams in Major League Soccer, making their possible return uncertain.