MLS Red Bull New York

MetroStars Weekly Report

Published on November 10, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Red Bull New York News Release


2003 Comes to a Close: The MetroStars' 2003 MLS Cup Playoff run ended in the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the hands of the New England Revolution. The Metros salvaged a 1-1 tie in Foxboro, MA on Sunday, but lost 3-1in the two-game, aggregate goals series. Though a disappointing end to the campaign, the many successes of the 2003 season should comfort the team as they head into the off-season.

Pope, One of Three: Eddie Pope is one of three finalists for the MLS Individual Fair Play Award. The MetroStars' captain committed only 27 fouls in 20 games, resulting in just three cards, while providing rock solid defense for the "Red and Black". The MetroStars/ADT Defender of the Year and MetroStars.com Player of the Year joins Kansas City Wizards midfielder Chris Klein and Columbus Crew forward Brian McBride as the final nominees. Pope previously won the MLS Defender of the Year in 1997. The winner will be announced at the 2003 MLS Gala Awards Ceremony on Saturday, November 22nd.

Regan Nominated for League Prize: Tim Regan, recently named MetroStars/USSF Humanitarian of the Year, is up for the league honor in the same category. The rookie defender/midfielder has rapidly become a pillar in the community by participating in more charity appearances than any other player. Regan particularly focused his efforts towards childhood literacy. An avid reader, Regan spearheaded the "MetroStars Score at School" program, which promotes the setting of goals in life to young children. Regan has also scheduled appearances at hospitals and plans to donate his award to the United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF). The winner will be announced at the 2003 MLS Gala Awards Ceremony on Saturday, November 22nd.

Gaven Praised: Eddie Gaven capped off an incredible rookie season by garnering two more honors at season's close. Gaven was named Nautica Player of the Month for October and was called into the US Men's National Team Under-23s. The youngster celebrated his 17th birthday by starting every match of the month for the Metros highlighted by his Man of the Match performance in the playoff-clinching win over San Jose on October 11. Gaven's rise in the U.S. soccer scene was recognized by the national team as well as he was called into the Under-23 Men's Nation Team training camp in preparation for Olympic Qualifiers second round series with St. Kitts and Nevis.

Clark Called to U-23 Squad: MetroStars midfielder Ricardo Clark has been called up to the Under-23 Men's National Team training camp. The camp takes place from November 10th through the 20th during which two Olympic qualifiers will be played. The U.S. looks to advance to Athens by defeating St. Kitts and Nevis in St. Kitts on November 15th and in Germantown, Maryland on the 19th. This is the first call up to the U-23's for Clark, who has 29 appearances for Men's U-20s. Clark will be joined by MetroStars teammate Eddie Gaven on the roster.

Ziadie Called to Jamaica National Team: MetroStars defender Craig Zaidie has been called-up to the Jamaican National Team for a friendly match on Sunday, November 16 against El Salvador. Zaidie looks to continue his first choice status with the Reggae Boyz. Zaidie started Jamaica's last game, a friendly against Brazil in October.

Post-Season Debuts: Twelve MetroStars made their MLS playoff debuts in this series (Edgar Bartolomeu, Ricardo Clark, Eddie Gaven, Amado Guevara, Andrzej Juskowiak, Jacob LeBlanc, Chris Leitch, Mark Lisi, Mike Magee, Mike Nugent, Jonny Walker, and Craig Zaidie). In addition, Joey DiGiamarino, Eddie Pope, and John Wolyniec made their Playoff debuts for the "Red and Black". Jolley Passes Petke, Ties Record: MetroStars veteran defender Steve Jolley passed Mike Petke for most games started for the MetroStars in the post-season with 10. Jolley also tied Billy Walsh's record for overall playoff appearances at 10.

End of the Year Awards: The MetroStars announced their regular season awards for the 2003 season last Friday. Honduran midfielder Amado Guevara took home the MetroStars/Honda MVP award, U.S. National Team star Eddie Pope captured the MetroStars/ADT Defender of the Year award and the MetroStars.com Player of the Year Award, the electric Clint Mathis was crowned the MetroStars/Budweiser Scoring Champion, and rookie Tim Regan took home the MetroStars/U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year award. MLS Goal of the Year: Voting is under way at MLSnet.com for the 2003 Pepsi MLS Goal of the Year. Thirty total goals have been selected for fan voting. Of that total, the following four Metros goals have been nominated: Craig Ziadie's on May 3rd vs. Colorado, Clint Mathis' on May 10th vs. D.C., Eddie Gaven's on July 5th at D.C., and John Wolyniec's on September 20th vs. Columbus.

People can vote one time per day for their favorite goal. These 30 top goals will be whittled down to a Top 5. The winner will be announced on Saturday, November 22 at the MLS Gala Awards ceremony.

Gaven Youngest: When Eddie Gaven came on as a second half substitute for the Metros on Saturday he became the youngest player to appear in an MLS Cup playoff game at 17 years, seven days. The previous youngest player to appear in the post-season was Chicago's DeMarcus Beasley when he was 18 years, 114 days. Coincidently, both Gaven and Beasley played for Bob Bradley at the time and were both making their appearances against New England.

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Major League Soccer Stories from November 10, 2003


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