Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the NY Cosmos

This is a highly entertaining documentary that any soccer fan should not miss out on.  It tells the story of the short-lived triumphs of the NY Cosmos in the NASL (North American Soccer League).  The Cosmos were 20 years ahead of their time as the first superstar-assembled team (think Real Madrid today).

  The roster include Pele and Franz Beckenbauer, and NY flew into a soccer frenzy for 5 peak years.  The special features are worth seeing as well...which include Pele last game ever, a special match in October 1977 between the NY Cosmos and his lifelong club team, Santos of Brazil.   Pele played the first half with the Cosmos and the second with Santos.  He scored on a rocket of a free kick, and gave an emotional farewell speech after the game.   Another interesting feature was seeing the NASL's version of a shootout....the player starts 35 yards away from the goal and has 5 seconds to dribble in on a breakaway to attempt to beat the keeper.  I was amazed by how often the goalie wins this battle.    To all soccer fans:  YOU MUST SEE THIS DVD!