They say stars never really die…and that’s how it’s been with the Cosmos. Arguably the most iconic franchise in American soccer history. Throughout our travels, we’ve heard countless stories of what it meant to those who watched Pelé, Beckenbauer, Chinaglia, Eskandarian, and dozens other legends dazzle crowds of thousands at the old Giants Stadium. But what made the Cosmos so special in the NASL days was the players and staff always taking the time to foster the growth of the sport at a grassroots level—often showing up to high schools to meet with kids and run clinics in the community throughout the 70s and 80s. And in some way, it’s poetic that this latest Cosmos return is happening at this particular moment in time with soccer in our country. A time when it feels like community-first clubs and grassroots initiatives are taking our country by storm. Portland Hearts, of course, being one of the leaders in that crescendoing wave. Perhaps that’s why the Cosmos opener against the He...