MLS New York Red Bulls

MetroStars Weekly Report

Published on October 17, 2005 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York Red Bulls News Release


Up Next, First leg: After clinching a playoff berth for the third consecutive season last weekend with a 2-0 win over Chivas in Los Angeles, the MetroStars have a short week before they host the New England Revolution in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The series is a home-and-home aggregate goal series, which will conclude on Saturday, October 29 at 8:00 p.m. at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA.

Tickets will be available for the MetroStars home playoff game at www.metrostars.com , Continental Airlines Arena box office and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets will also be available through Ticketmaster by phone for callers in New Jersey (201-507-8900), New York (212-307-7171), and for Spanish-speaking customers throughout New York and New Jersey (212-307-4757).

FINAL EASTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS:

Team Games Played Points

X -New England 32 59

X -D.C. United 32 54

X -Chicago 32 49

X -MetroStars 32 47

Y -Kansas City 32 45

Y -Columbus 32 38

x -clinched a playoff berth

y -eliminated from playoff contention

ROAD WARRIOR- JOHNSTON EARNS SEVEN: Since being named Interim Head Coach on Tuesday, October 4, Mo Johnston has guided the MetroStars to seven points (a record of 2-0-1) in the team's final three games (all on the road) - and a playoff berth.

It took just four days for Johnston to pick up his first career head coaching victory, defeating DC United in his second match as interim head coach.

However, as exciting as his first win was, his second win was the victory that sent the "Red and Black" into the playoffs.

In his head coaching debut on October 5, the Metros drew with Chicago, 2-2.

Former MetroStars Head Coach Bob Bradley was relieved of his coaching duties on Tuesday, October 4, thus paving the way for Johnston to be named Interim Head Coach. Johnston had been an assistant coach with the MetroStars for the past three seasons.

Johnston, 41, retired in 2001 following six seasons in Major League Soccer, earning three MLS All-Star selections with the Wizards and one MLS Cup Championship. Prior to joining MLS, Johnston played 15 seasons in Europe, scoring 316 goals in 529 games for Scottish clubs such as Partick Thistle, Hearts of Midlothian, Falkirk, Celtic and Rangers, as well as Watford (England), Everton (England) and Nantes (France).

MEOLA WINS POW: MetroStars goalkeeper Tony Meola today was selected as the Honda MLS Player of the Week for the final week of the 2005 regular season - Week 29 which ended on Sunday, Oct. 16. Meola earned his second shutout and sixth victory of the season yesterday as the MetroStars defeated hosts Chivas USA 2-0 and in the process claimed the final MLS Cup Playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. This is Meola's fifth-career Player of the Week honor and first since winning for Week 21 of the 2002 season as a member of the Kansas City Wizards.

In a must-win game for the MetroStars, Meola played arguably his best game of the season since being acquired by the Metros in late June. The 10-year veteran recorded a total of 12 saves and withstood an early barrage from Chivas USA to keep his team in the game. After the MetroStars took a 1-0 lead, Meola made sure it stood as he repeatedly stopped point blank shots, including blasts from Isaac Romo, Matt Taylor and Orlando Perez during the last 30 minutes of the game. Meola also controlled his area, recording the clean sheet despite facing 26 shots and 17 corner kicks from the home side.

This is also the third time the 36-year-old keeper has won the award as a member of the MetroStars, having also won for Week 13 in 1996 and Week 8 in 1998. His fourth award came in Week 15 of the 2000 season while with the Wizards.

Meola's 12 saves mark a season high for the veteran ‘keeper. The Kearny, NJ native owns the League's all-time record for saves in a game with 15, which he accomplished as a member of the Metros on 4/5/97 against DC.

BRADLEY NOTCHES FIRST GOAL: MetroStars midfielder Michael Bradley tallied the first goal of his career last weekend in the club's 2-0 win over Chivas USA. The goal is not only memorable because it was Bradley's first, but also because it was the goal that turned out to be the game-winner, and goal that earned the MetroStars a berth into the 2005 MLS Cup Playoffs.

GOOS IN THE POST-SEASON: When the MetroStars earned their playoff spot on Sunday by beating Chivas, it clinched defender Jeff Agoos' ninth appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs (he only missed the 2000 post-season).

One of the most decorated players in MLS history, he has won five MLS Cups (three with D.C. United, two with the San Jose Earthquakes) over his 10 year MLS career.

MEOLA'S MLS SHUTOUT RECORD: MetroStars Goalkeeper Tony Meola recorded his 57th shutout at Chivas USA on October 16, adding to his MLS record for most shutouts by a goalkeeper.

SECOND BEST SEASON IN CLUB HISTORY: With a total of 47 points this season (12-9-11), the MetroStars amassed the second highest total in club history - behind only the MetroStars 2000 team (54 points). (NOTE: It should be noted that in 2001 the MetroStars earned 42 points before the regular season was ended prematurely due to the tragic events on September 11, 2001).

October 8th's win also ensured that the team will finish the season with a winning record for only the fourth time in team history (00', 01', 03').

5 PLAYERS WITH 7+ GOALS: The MetroStars are the only team this season with 5 players that have scored 7 or more goals {Amado Guevara (11), Youri Djorkaeff (10), Eddie Gaven (8) Ante Razov (7), and Sergio Galvan Rey (7)}. This is the first time in MLS history that a team has had five players that have tallied seven or more goals.

STAND-ALONE SEASON HIGH: 27,670 fans came out for the MetroStars final home game of the regular season against DC United on 10/1- a 2005 stand-alone game season high. The overall season high in attendance for the MetroStars came on May 31, when 50,070 fans attended the England/Colombia-MetroStars/Chicago Fire doubleheader.

Metro soccer report: MSG will air the Metro Soccer Report this week on Friday at 2:30 p.m. ET.

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Major League Soccer Stories from October 17, 2005


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