Interview: Javier Garcia (#26 NY Cosmos)
- Emilio Lopez
- May 21
- 6 min read
May 21, 2026 (Paterson, NJ)
On May 7, 2026 the Cosmos announced the signing of former AC Boise goalkeeper Javier Garcia. We sat down with the McAllen, Texas native to discuss his career and his move to the Cosmos.
Garcia has had extensive experience at both the USL Championship and USL League One levels. He is known for his high-level shot-stopping ability and is the all-time penalty save leader in USL League One, having saved 6 penalty kicks in the 2025 season with Texoma FC.
Javier Garcia comes across as a composed and poised leader. A person who never gave up and persevered to make his dreams a reality. He should be a key player for the Cosmos as they continue to make a push during the 2026 campaign.
Cosmos Interest:
Javier Garcia indicated that Cosmos were interested in signing him during the off-season, after his successful season with Texoma FC. Upon hearing of the Cosmos interest, he researched the club and was impressed with its history and the many great players who had played for Cosmos, especially Pele. Ultimately, he decided to join AC Boise. Things did not go according to plan for Garcia with Boise, and when he heard that the Cosmos were still interested in him, he jumped at the chance.
Career Background:
Javier Garcia grew up a soccer fan from an early age, he was inspired to play the game by his father, who was a former player. He played for local clubs in the area and played high-school soccer with Juarez-Lincoln High School. He was also playing for the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros Academy, the academy for the USL Championship club. Javier was looking to receive offers to play collegiately, but those offers did not come. With no college offers on the table, Javier tried his luck in Mexico looking for a professional opportunity. With the COVID pandemic in full-swing, Javier ultimately returned to the United States. Javier who is a man of deep faith, said at this time his trust in God, and God’s plans in his life were key for him, he prayed and asked God to be in control of his decisions.
An opportunity arose in 2020 with UT Rio Grande Valley, a local Division 1 soccer program, Javier decided to accept the offer and enrolled at the school. Time passed and Javier was not receiving playing time for the Vaqueros. After the fall season, the head coach told Javier that he didn’t see him having a future at the school, and didn’t see professional potential in him. The coach also told him he hoped his decision would turn out to be wrong, and it was decided Javier would end his time at the school. At this time, Javier remembers that he did not know what was in store for him, whether to continue to pursue his professional ambitions or look for other job opportunities. His faith once again played a key role, as he continued to pray and rely on God. A few weeks later he received a call from Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. They were looking for a goalkeeper for the USL Championship side. Javier was offered a chance to train with the squad, after one session he was asked to come for an evaluation period so that the club could make a decision on him. Soon after, Javier was informed that RGVFC wanted to sign him to a professional contract, but that they didn’t have the money to make the move. Javier waited and two months later he signed his first professional contract with the club. Javier remembers that being a very proud moment for him, despite all the adversity and setbacks he had accomplished his goal of becoming a professional player.
Javier remained patient and received his first opportunity to play almost 18 months after signing his pro contract. His play with Rio Grande opened more doors for him, and at the end of the 2022 season El Paso Locomotive FC, another Championship side, signed Javier to a two-year contract. After two seasons with El Paso, Javier signed with Texoma FC for the 2025 season. Garcia earned a starting spot with the club, and all his work started to pay off. His efforts did not go un-noticed as he started to receive league accolades. He was name USL League One Player of the month for May 2025, and was nominated for save of the week on numerous occasions. He also set the league record for most penalty kicks saved in a season and became the leagues all-time leader in penalty saves, having saved 6 pks.
Characteristics in Goal:
Javier attributes his success on penalty kicks to his confidence but also to his intuition. His reputation as a penalty kick shot stopper was on display on April 28, 2026; Garcia came on as a last- minute substitute for Boise in a 1-1 draw with Las Vegas Lights FC in a USL Cup match. With the match going into a penalty kick shootout, Garcia was inserted into the match for his pk prowess. He did not disappoint, making two decisive saves to give his team the victory.
The confident, and well-spoken Garcia, also said one of the qualities that define his game is the fact that he doesn’t give up on any play. He can be expected to give it his all on every shot, diving for anything on goal, with the expectation he can make any save. He is also comfortable on the ball. Javier also likes to be a positive presence in goal, speaking to his teammates throughout the match, and being a leader on the pitch.
Impressions on his new team:
On May 15, 2026, Garcia made his debut for Cosmos, appearing as a starter in a 3-2 comeback victory over Westchester SC in a USL Cup match.
When asked what he thought about the teams fight in their come-from-behind victory on Friday night, Javier responded that it was a great sign that the team kept pushing despite being down in the match. He thinks that the victory can spearhead the team as they make a push to move up in the league standings. He sites that the team has a lot of quality younger players, and that the veterans, including himself, have the responsibility of guiding those players and showing them the importance of the job at hand. He also believes the team has the talent to make a playoff run, and to ultimately compete for the top prize at the end of the season. With the confidence gained with the victory over Westchester, Javier expects the good vibes to spill over into the match against AV Alta this weekend, and for the team to get on a winning run.
Familiarity with Teammates:
Joining Cosmos, Javier has been reunited with former Texoma teammates Ajmeer Spengler, Davey Mason, Jordan Chavez and the newly signed Lamin Jawneh. Javier stated that the familiarity with those players has helped him to transition smoothly with his new club. However, he also expressed that he is enjoying getting to know all the players on the squad and the coaching staff. Javier indicated that the Cosmos team differs from AC Boise in that they have more younger players, and that as a veteran he can help those players along, as they learn what it takes to be a professional player.
Thoughts on the Supporters:
Javier credited the Cosmos travelling support on Friday as a key part in the teams come-from-behind victory. He said the supporters are an important part of the team, and he appreciates their willingness to travel and give their time to support them. He further said that the fans are a motivating factor for the team, and is proud to be part of a club with passionate supporters.
Thoughts on moving to NJ:
Javier, being from Texas, said that the only other time he has been to the tri-state area was when Texoma faced Westchester SC last season. He indicated that New Jersey is completely different from his home state, but he is enjoying getting familiar with the area. He also wants to explore the city and become more familiar with New York and what it has to offer.
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