Randy Horton Was ‘Original Cosmos Star Striker’
Randy Horton was the “original Cosmos star striker” and “a vital member of the Cosmos roster in the early years,” Twiceacosmo reports, adding that “no matter the result of the game on Sunday, Randy Horton will always be a key part of Cosmos history.”
The story said, “As The Cosmos head to Bermuda for their final tune up before the NASL opener in Puerto Rico, we kick-off a short series profiling key goal scorers from both the team’s distant and recent histories. And where better to start than with a man from Bermuda who was the original Cosmos star striker.
“On April 17th 1971, in front of a mere 3701 fans at what must have seemed a cavernous Busch Memorial Stadium in St Louis, The New York Cosmos were playing their first competitive game.
“The players, adopted New Yorkers from all over the world had only met a few weeks previously. But it was a the physical frame of their six-foot-two striker who made the first mark in the Cosmos history book.
“Running onto a free kick from Kyriakos Fitilis and climbing above St Louis centre back Steve Frank, Randy Horton of Bermuda was there to head robustly into the net for the maiden Cosmos goal. And it certainly wouldn’t be the last.”
Randy Horton celebrating with the 1972 NASL Championship Trophy, photo via Twiceacosmo
This look back in history, follows after it was announced last week that the New York Cosmos will travel to Bermuda this month for preseason training.
This isn’t the first time the team will be on the island, as forty years ago, in 1977, the Cosmos visited Bermuda for preseason training and came back again in 1978.
Prior to that, in 1972, a Championship season for the Cosmos, Mr Horton was the team’s most valuable player and top goal scorer.
The New York Cosmos will train and play a match against a BFA National Select Team, which will be open to the public.
Additionally, Cosmos coaches will host a combine in Bermuda where one player is expected to be chosen and offered a contract to join the organisation’s B-team in New York.
Jack Gaeta [NY Cosmos], James Davis [BFA], Daniel Johnson [BTA], with Randy Horton at last week’s announcement
The New York Cosmos match versus a Bermuda National Select Team is scheduled for March 19th at 3:00pm.
“We are very excited to play these matches versus the New York Cosmos,” said BFA Technical Director Maurice Lowe. “Many of us grew up hearing of Randy Horton’s playing time there.
Read More About
Category: All, History, Sports
