HAVANA — The New York Cosmos will kick off a new era in sporting relations between the United States and Cuba Tuesday when it becomes the first professional American sports team in 16 years to play in the Communist-ruled island. A blizzard of camera flashbulbs from local media and fans greeted a Cosmos delegation led by Brazilian legend Pele after the soccer team touched down late Sunday in Havana on a private charter flight. Former Cosmos star Pele was mobbed by well-wishers before being whisked through security with the rest of the squad. Tuesday's exhibition match against the Cuban national team at the Pedro Marrero Stadium reflects the rapidly thawing ties between the United States and Cuba. — AP
