Interview: Matt Neidl (VMG Sports)

We sat down with New Jersey resident and the director of VMG Sports Agency, Matt Neidl, the agency representing Cosmos players Massimo Morabito, Josue Manzano and Braeden Backus, to discuss his role, the Cosmos youth setup, and talk about the players he represents.

Background:

Matt Neidl began his career in Sports Marketing in 2005, and has been providing career advisement to athletes in the United States since 2017. The Ecuadorian native also represents players from his native country, including Marcos and Matteo Zambrano, currently at New England Revolution (on loan) in Major League Soccer and Huntsville City FC of MLS Next Pro, respectively. He became involved with the Cosmos due to his relationship with Erik Stover (Cosmos CEO), since Erik’s days working with Red Bull New York. Matt was with Octagon Sports Marketing Agency when he first met Erik Stover and has had a relationship with him since that time. When Matt heard that North Jersey was bringing a club to USL League One, not knowing it would be the Cosmos, he visited Hinchliffe and discussed potential roles with Erik. He set up trials with the Cosmos for many of the players he represents, leading to the signings of Massimo Morabito, Josue Manzano, and Braeden Backus by the New York Cosmos.

Matt Neidl also represents Will Black (former Safor CF (Spain) player), a promising 20-year-old central midfielder, as well as 18-year-old Jason Guevara (former Baltimore Armour player) who have Academy Agreements with the Cosmos, and will be playing with the Cosmos primary reserve side GR Academy in the USL Academy League.

Academy Setup:

Neidl indicated that GR Academy is the Cosmos’ official Academy club, although being separate entities, and will participate in the U20 USL Academy League in the Metro Division. The team is coached by Cosmos first team assistant coach Mike Gravinese. Players who are signed to an Academy Agreement with Cosmos, such as Will Black and other players with a projected path to the Cosmos first team will play with GR Academy. The Cosmos have high hopes for attacking midfielder Jason Guevara and Will Black, as they are seen as top prospects competing at GR Academy.

The Cosmos also have an affiliation agreement with Morris Elite SC who will operate as Cosmos B in the U20 USL Academy League in the Mid Atlantic Division. Cosmos B will also play in the UPSL in the American South Conference.

VMG Sports Clients:

The club has been signing young promising players and focusing on long term player development. Neidl’s clients have been signed to standard player agreements with options to renew

.

Massimo Morabito (Defender):

• Former Philadelphia Union, Orlando City and FC Delco Academy player

Neidl believes there is a good chance for Morabito to earn a starting role with club relatively quickly. He commented on his high maturity level despite being only 17 years old. Giuseppe Rossi indicated that the club didn’t expect Morabito to be where he is at so soon and have been pleasantly surprised with his progression.

Josue Manzano (Attacker):

• Former Orlando City academy, Club Atletico JBG (Ecuador)

According to Neidl, the Ecuadorian attacker is recovering from an injury that he picked up early in the pre-season, which took him four weeks to recover. Coach Corti has played Manzano in several forward positions, including striker and has steadily gotten back into the first team dynamic.

Braeden Backus (Defender):

• Former Michigan Jaguars, FC Dallas, Detroit City FC and Westchester SC Academy player

Braeden Backus is projected as a left back and with injuries to Davey Mason the potential that he can compete for a starting job is a good possibility. Giuseppe Rossi indicated that Backus has done everything the club has asked of him. He has consistently been part of the first team squad in intra-squad scrimmages and performed well during the preseason.

VMG Sports player to keep an eye on:

David Collantes

the 20-year-old USA/Ecuador dual-national is currently playing with Kissimmee SC in the UPSL. The attacking midfielder played for CS Emelec in Ecuador from 2017 to 2023 and was a member of the Orlando City Academy from 2023-2024. He is a player Matt Neidl would look to bring to the Cosmos if a first team contract were offered.

His impressions on the 2026 Roster:

With the team having been together for six weeks, Matt expects the team to have some early struggles, but is confident the team will make the playoffs as it is a talented group. He thinks midfielder Darren Sidoel will be a key player for the squad due to his experience and technical abilities.

With the Cosmos focus on young players, and the fact that they have secured the services of various young prospects for multiple seasons, the club can implement a player model which involves the development and transfer of players in the near future. With the financial challenges faced by USL teams, this model, which is employed throughout the world can support club´s financial strategy and provide stability while at the same time make the Cosmos an attractive club for young, up and coming players who are looking for playing opportunities at a young age.