MLS New York Red Bulls

MetroStars Weekly Report

Published on September 9, 2002 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York Red Bulls News Release


Ramos Set To Make Final Regular Season Appearance at Giants Stadium The MetroStars return to Giants Stadium for their regular-season home finale this Thursday night, September 12, at 7:30 p.m. ET, when they host Eastern Conference rival DC United on Fan Appreciation Night. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2 and heard locally on Spanish radio WADO 1280 AM.

Tab Ramos, the first player to sign with MLS and one of the most storied players in U.S. soccer history, will be making his final regular season appearance at Giants Stadium. The New Jersey soccer legend and original MetroStar will play in front of more than 65 family and friends in attendance.

Tab's career includes 87 caps with the U.S. National Team, three World Cups, and a prominent overseas career in Spain & Mexico--not to mention being a first-round draft selection (1984) of the legendary New York Cosmos of the old North American Soccer League.

This Thursday night's Eastern Division clash will be the third this season between DC United and the MetroStars. DC United, who is the only team in the MLS to be winless on the road (0-10-3) this season, will be making their second trip to the Meadowlands after previously losing, 1-0, on August 25 on a late (92nd minute) strike by Clint Mathis.

The game against DC is a crucial match-up in the MLS Cup playoff race, as the MetroStars (11-12-2, GD: -1) currently hold the sixth-playoff spot in the playoff standings with three games remaining in the regular season. They are tied for first place with the Columbus Crew (10-10-5, GD: Even) at 35 points, but lose first place in the second tie-breaker as a result of a greater goal differential by the Crew. The MetroStars and Crew tied the regular-season series (2-2) in the first tie-breaker.

The Chicago Fire (10-11-4) is close behind with 34 points, followed by the New England Revolution (10-14-2) with 32 points. Columbus, Chicago, and New England have all played one more game than the MetroStars.

The MetroStars will all but clinch a playoff berth with a win Thursday night against DC United. The result of the final two games between both clubs will also determine the winner of the inaugural Cup series between the two rivals, which includes the right to name the trophy (Liberty Cup if the MetroStars win, Atlantic Cup if DC United wins). The 2002 series is currently tied at one game apiece.

MetroStars fans will be able to buy in advance any available seat they desire--be it lower rows behind the team benches at midfield or front rows behind the goals--for just $16 as part of MetroStars Fan Appreciation Night on Thursday night against DC United.

Tickets in all sections-which normally cost $18, $24, $30 and $36-will be available for only $16 up until the day before the game. Tickets are available at www.MetroStars.com and at the Continental Airlines Arena box office, and are also available through Ticketmaster by phone for callers in New Jersey (201-507-8900), New York (212-307-7171) and for Spanish-speaking customers (212-307-4757). For more information, fans can also call 1-888-4-METROTIX.

As part of Fan Appreciation Night, the first 5,000 fans will receive a free commemorative team poster, courtesy of Drew & Rogers Printing.

The team is also offering two complimentary tickets to the game to all local police, fire and emergency workers in recognition of their bravery and heroic work over the past year. Police, fire and emergency workers wishing to attend next Thursday's game can show their badge or official ID for verification at the Gate C will call window at Giants Stadium that day beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET to receive their two tickets.

Rookie of the Year Material: Former St. Louis University star Brad Davis is one of the top candidates for the 2002 MLS Rookie of the Year award. The midfielder has registered 11 points (four goals, three assists) in 21 games played, including two game-winning goals early in the year in an overtime win at Columbus on April 6 and at Colorado on April 13.

Career Highs: Rodrigo Faria scored his career-high 10th & 11th goals of the season, while Andy Williams continued to set his own career-highs with his 14th &15th assist in the MetroStars' 3-1 victory over the Dallas Burn last Thursday at the Cotton Bowl.

Road Rules: The MetroStars are 4-7-2 when playing at Giants Stadium, but have posted a league-best 7-5-0 mark on the road.

Shout Out To The East Coast: The MetroStars hold a 7-6-0 record against Eastern Conference teams this season, but only a 4-6-2 record against teams from the Western Conference.

Soakin' Up The Sun!: The MetroStars look forward to playing afternoon soccer as they hold a 6-2-0 record in day games during the 2002 MLS campaign. They have struggled at night with a 5-10-2 record.

Scoring Two Helps: The MetroStars are 9-3-0 this year in league games, when they score two or more goals.

75' Minute Says It All: The team is 8-0-0 when leading in the 75th minute. Conversely, they are 0-10-0 when trailing in the 75th, and 3-2-2 when tied at that time.

Scoring First Helps: The team is 9-4-1 when scoring first, but 2-8-1 when the opponents get the first goal.

Surviving on the Road: The team is 2-5 in one-goal games at Giants Stadium, but a positive 4-1 on the road.

Check out the New York Red Bulls Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from September 9, 2002


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central