After player-coach game, Michael Bustamante looks ahead for Boston City

Michael Bustamante surveys the field for Boston City FC vs. the New York Cosmos. (Courtesy Photo)

The sight was a blast from the past: Michael Bustamante (Chelsea, Mass.) in midfield, running the show for Boston City FC.

Except this time it had a wrinkle: Bustamante, the former Boston University star, was also coach of the local NPSL side. For a North Atlantic Conference matchup against the New York Cosmos, an eventual 5-0 loss where the scoreline was a bit deceiving, the 29-year-old held a dual role.

However, don’t expect this to become a common occurrence. Rather, Bustamante called it a “one-time thing” and a good opportunity for a young squad to have a calming presence alongside the Cosmos’ veterans. New York, bounced from the Open Cup on Tuesday night by USL Championship expansion side Hartford Athletic, boasts former U.S. international Danny Szetela and El Salvadorian international Junior Burgos.