Feb. 12, the New York Cosmos continued to build their roster by signing Hunter Freeman, a 28-year-old right back, most recently selected by the New England Revolution (23rd overall) in Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Draft on Dec. 14.
Apparently, Freeman and the Revolution failed to reach an agreement.
"The chance to play in New York City with a team that has such a rich tradition made the decision easy for me," said Freeman. "I am excited to be a part of this club and help the Cosmos back to the top of American soccer."
Drafting MLS clubs are required to make a genuine offer to the player within seven days. If an agreement can't be reached between the drafting club and the out-of-contract player, the drafting club holds the right of first refusal for that player in MLS.
New York Cosmos on the move
The newly re-formed New York Cosmos begin play in the second half of the North American Soccer League's (NASL) season in 2013, which is sanctioned as the United States' Division 2 pro soccer league.
The Cosmos recently proposed a $400 million 25,000 seat soccer stadium at Belmont Park, indicating greater ambitions. Last week, the Cosmos named Carlos Llamosa assistant coach and signed Spanish midfielder Ayoze.
Hunter Freeman
Freeman has played over 120 matches for MLS teams, most recently with the Colorado Rapids.
Freeman, a Texas native, was selected seventh overall in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids. He then played for the Rapids, New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC in MLS before joining IK Start of the Norwegian Tippeligaen in 2008. Freeman made 51 appearances and scored 2 goals in the Tippeligaen between 2009 and 2010. Freeman returned to MLS with the Houston Dynamo in 2011, where he made 23 appearances and scored one goal for the Dynamo as they made it to the MLS Cup Final. Freeman then spent the 2012 season with Colorado, appearing in 19 matches for the Rapids.
At the international level, Freeman represented the U.S. at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands. He was also a member of the U.S. U-23 squad that finished as runner up in the 2008 CONCACAF Men's Pre-Olympic Tournament and qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
FOLLOW LE EISENMENGER ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK.
