The New York Cosmos announced on Tuesday that Brazilian midfielder Paulo Mendes has signed a contract extension with the team. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Last season with the Cosmos was a great experience,” Mendes said. “Winning the Soccer Bowl meant a lot and I feel like I grew as a player with the rest of the team. I’m looking forward to another great year.”
Mendes, 23, started in the Cosmos’ 2013 Soccer Bowl title-winning match against his former team, the Atlanta Silverbacks. During the regular season, he made eight appearances (seven starts) and scored two goals as the Cosmos also won the 2013 NASL Fall Season title.
“Paulo earned his playing time and improved as the season went along,” head coach Giovanni Savarese said. “He provides different options for our front line and we’re glad to bring him back.”
The Goiânia, Brazil native joined the Cosmos last June from the Atlanta Silverbacks where he played in 2012 alongside his twin brother Pedro. The pair became the first-ever set of twins to compete against each other in a North American soccer championship game when they met in the 2013 Soccer Bowl.