by DAVE MARTINEZ

The returning New York Cosmos will be taking the field without their 2016 goalscoring champion or one of their most dynamic wingers from the NASL Championship winning side.

Zulia FC, a Venezuelan club, announced Friday afternoon the signing of Juan Arango and Yohandry Orozco. They are joined by fellow Venezuelan standout, Renny Vega.

“It’s the signing of the year in America,” club President Cesar Farias said. “For over two months, it was a done deal; if we classified for Copa Libertadores, Juan Fernando Arango would be with us. We just had to plan a few things.

“Juan is a step above all the players,” he continued. “It’s a privledge for our city to count on these players.”

Arango, 36, appeared and started in 29 matches, scoring 15 goals and adding seven assists to the Soccer Bowl winners last season. Orozco, 25, appeared in 20 matches, starting 16 while scoring six goals and adding an assist. They are just the latest player departures for the club following the footsteps of Danny Szetela, Jairo Arrieta, Adam Moffat and Lucky Mkosana. Yasmani Duk is also near a loan deal to Saudi club, Al Ettifaq.