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The most famous franchise in U.S. soccer history is back. The New York Cosmos are back in the North American Soccer League and will resume play this spring.  Home games will be played at James M. Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University.

From the mid-70s through 1984 the Cosmos were instrumental in popularizing the sport of soccer in the United States.  Foreign stars like Pele, Giorgio Chinaglia and Franz Beckenbauer joined American talent like Shep Messing brought large crowds to Giants Stadium and helped the NASL get its first national network television contract. The Cosmos also won Soccer Bowl championships in 1972, 1977, 1978, 1980 and 1982.

Now the franchise is returning to action in the NASL for the first time since 1984. Coach Giovanni Savarese has started to put together a new roster of players to compete for the 2013 season.

Wednesday, the Cosmos announced the signings of right back Korey Veeder and midfielder Dane Murphy.

Veeder, 21, spent the past two seasons on the Columbus Crew. He also has NASL experience with Crystal Palace Baltimore.

The 26-year-old Murphy starred at the University of Virginia before joining the DC United and later the Cosmos Under-23 squad.

Coach Savarese is pleased with the newest additions to his roster. “Korey is a young defender who already has significant professional experience,” Savarese said. “Along with the signing of Dane, this adds different options and depth to our squad.”

Earlier this week, 28-year-old fullback Hunter Freeman was added to the roster. Hunter has played more than 120 matches in the MLS and most recently played for the Colorado Rapids.

“I welcome Hunter Freeman to the club,” Coach Savarese added. “He is a versatile and experienced defender who I am confident will do very well in the NASL. His attacking ability from the right-back position makes him a perfect fit for the Cosmos.”

The new Cosmos franchise will take the field for its first NASL game on August 3, 2013 when they host the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at James M. Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University.

Fittingly enough, Shuart Stadium was the home of the Cosmos back in 1972 and 1973.

Season tickets are now on sale. For more information on the Cosmos, go to the team’s official Web site at www.nycosmos.com.