MLS Opening Day Preview
Published on April 5, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
NEW YORK (Friday, April 4, 2003) -- The 2003 MLS regular season kicks off on Saturday, April 5 as the defending MLS Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy take on the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup holders, the Columbus Crew, in the lone match on Opening Day. The contest will be televised live on ABC Sports beginning at 4:00PM ET from Columbus Crew Stadium. For updated scores, game summaries and video highlights for every MLS game during the 2003 campaign, log on to MLS' official website: <
Saturday, April 5 (4:00 p.m.) - Los Angeles Galaxy at Columbus Crew (ABC Sports) 2002 Head-to-Head: Series tied 1-1-0 (Series tied 4-4 on aggregate goals) All-time Head-to-Head: Crew leads series 9-5-2 (Crew lead 25-20 on aggregate goals) Top returning scorers: Los Angeles: F Carlos Ruiz (24g, 1a = 49pts); Columbus: F Jeff Cunningham (16g, 5a = 37pts) Did you know?: The Crew are the only team against which the Los Angeles Galaxy have an all-time losing record (5-9-2) ... Also, the Crew are the only team in MLS history that has scored more goals than the Galaxy in the all-time series between the two teams. Key players out: Los Angeles: D/M Ezra Hendrickson (flu-like symptoms), D Scot Thompson (sprained knee-L); Columbus: none. Notes: MLS Opening Day features a matchup between the winners of the two domestic trophies in 2002 as the defending MLS Cup champion L.A. Galaxy travel to Columbus to meet the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup champion Crew ... Columbus defeated the Galaxy on Oct. 24, 2002 to capture the U.S. Open Cup, their first trophy in team history, by the score of 1-0 ... Guatemalan left midfielder Freddy Garcia netted the only goal of that match after his compatriot Carlos Ruiz had netted the game-winning golden goal for the Galaxy only four days earlier to clinch MLS Cup 2002 ... Ruiz, who is yet to score at Crew Stadium in two matches all-time (including Open Cup), and Garcia are considered the most prominent Guatemalan soccer stars today ... The duo will lead the Guatemalan National Team into the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July ... The Galaxy and Crew enter the 2003 campaign relatively unchanged ... In fact of the 22 starters in the last regular season matchup between the two last Aug. 14, only three players are no longer on this year's respective rosters (Craig Waibel - ex-LA, Chris Leitch - ex-CLB and Dante Washington ex-CLB) ... The Crew won that Aug. 14 match by the score of 3-2 to even up the 2002 season series after two goals by Ruiz, including the MLS Goal of the Year, sent Columbus to a 2-1 road loss on July 27 ... To further prove the elite nature of Saturday's season opener, the Crew and Galaxy are also the last two MLS clubs still alive in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the regional competition for clubs ... In the first leg of two MLS-Mexico match-ups, the Galaxy face Mexican club Necaxa on Wed, April 9 at Titan Stadium (10:00PM ET) and the Crew travel to take on Monarcas Morelia in Mexico on the same day ... The two big name debuts on Saturday will include Korean World Cup star Hong Myung Bo (LA) and U.S. World Cup defender Frankie Hejduk (CLB) ... Crew Head Coach Greg Andrulis may have some shuffling to do on the back line ahead of Saturday's game as defender Eric Denton has missed several practices due to left knee tendonitis while Daniel Torres has been battling a bad Achilles heel ... Torres would be Denton's natural substitute at left back but if the Costa Rican player cannot start, Hejduk would likely be moved to left back with Nelson Akwari entering the lineup on the right of defense ... Crew midfielder Brian West has been battling a left hamstring injury which has made his presence in Saturday's game questionable for most of the week ... Reigning OSI Referee of the Year Kevin Terry will head the officiating crew for the match ... Saturday's match marks the first time that the Columbus Crew and Los Angeles Galaxy meet in a season opener and the first time that the Galaxy are kicking off their season away from home ... This match kicks off a string of eight consecutive road games for the Galaxy before they open the state-of-the-art Home Depot Center on June 7 against the Colorado Rapids. Final Whistle: When it comes to attacking and ball possession, the L.A. Galaxy will meet their match when they take on the Crew ... In what is expected to be an entertaining, free-flowing match, Columbus will depend on its playmaker, Kyle Martino, who is battling a groin strain ... Although the likes of Freddy Garcia and Jeff Cunningham can also wreak havoc on their own, Martino's ability to create out of midfield will be critical in breaking down the Galaxy back line ... For the Galaxy, Carlos Ruiz should likely be able to find space behind the zone defense of the Crew and the likely starting pair at center-back: Mike Clark and Brian Dunseth ... One opening is all he needs to leave his mark and make it an uphill battle for the home team. SCHEDULED REFEREES: Referee: Kevin Terry; Assistant Referees: Craig Lowry (SAR), Rick Eddy (JAR); Fourth Official: Ricardo Salazar. RADIO/INTERNET BROADCASTS: Spanish Radio: KTNQ 1020 AM (LA), WVKO 1580 AM (CLB) English Radio: KMPC 1540 AM (LA), The New Eagle 103.9 (CLB) Korean Radio: Radio Korea 1230 AM (LA) Internet Radio: http://www.1540theticket.com/main.html OR http://www.eagle1039.com/main.asp
What follows are season previews for the entire field of MLS teams which will do battle for the right to hoist MLS Cup 2003 on November 23 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
CHICAGO FIRE
Plenty of changes blew through the Windy City this offseason for the Chicago Fire, most notably the arrival of new Head Coach Dave Sarachan and the departures of Peter Nowak, Josh Wolff, Dema Kovalenko and veteran marksman Hristo Stoitchkov. But don't feel too sorry for Sarachan, as the former U.S. Men's National Team assistant coach still has several all-stars on his roster, and will likely deploy the League's top defensive unit.
Returning to the Fire lineup from ACL injuries suffered last season are defensive midfielder Chris Armas and the versatile Evan Whitfield, a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team who gave the Fire an athletic presence out wide as both a midfielder and defender. With those two set to rejoin reigning MLS Defender of the Year Carlos Bocanegra, goalkeeper Zach Thornton and veteran C.J. Brown on Chicago's back line, opposing attacks have cause for concern. The Fire posted the third lowest GAA in MLS last season without Armas, whose hopes of earning his fifth consecutive selection to the Pepsi MLS Best XI ended after just four games.
In 2003, veteran striker Ante Razov and 2002 U.S. World Cup star DaMarcus Beasley are charged with fueling the offense. Beasley, who struggled with injuries and fatigue upon his return following the World Cup, will likely assume a larger playmaking role this season, as will second-year utility man Kelly Gray. Chicago also acquired streaky Brazilian forward Rodrigo Faria as compensation for allowing former head coach Bob Bradley to join the MetroStars.
Second-year midfielder Justin Mapp and rookie forward Nate Jaqua are two of several talented youngsters who may ultimately play a role in the club's quest for a sixth straight playoff appearance.
2002 FIRE LEADERS Games Started: Jesse Marsch (28) Games Played: Jesse Marsch (28) Minutes: Jesse Marsch (2557) Points: Ante Razov (14g, 8a = 36pts) Goals: Ante Razov (14) Assists: Dema Kovalenko, Ante Razov (8) Shots: Ante Razov (115) Shots on Goal: Ante Razov (56) Fouls Committed: Jesse Marsch (57) Fouls Suffered: DaMarcus Beasley (83) Game-Winning Goals: Ante Razov (3) Game-Winning Assists: Ante Razov (4) Goals-Against-Average: Zach Thornton (1.23) Saves: Zach Thornton (124) Shutouts: Zach Thornton (7)
Key acquisitions: F Rodrigo Faria (trade with MetroStars), F Nate Jaqua (P-40, No. 3 overall SuperDraft selection), M Justin Mapp (P-40, trade with D.C. United), M Logan Pause (P-40, No. 24 overall SuperDraft selection), F Damani Ralph (No. 18 overall SuperDraft selection), M Andy Williams (trade with MetroStars)
Key departures: M Peter Nowak (traded to New England/retirement), M/F Hristo Stoitchkov (traded to D.C. United), M Dema Kovalenko (traded to D.C. United), F Josh Wolff (traded to Kansas City).
COLORADO RAPIDS
Although the Colorado Rapids will sport a new "Black and Blue" look in 2003, Head Coach Tim Hankinson has made just one significant change to his core group which advanced to the MLS Cup semis last year.
For the first time in his MLS coaching career, Hankinson will go through an entire season without the playmaking skills of Colombian legend Carlos Valderrama. American soccer's 2002 revelation - U.S. World Cup hero Pablo Mastroeni, has in a short time become a centerpiece in the national team midfield. He will be complemented by the outstanding flank play of Mark Chung and Chris Henderson, the tireless, hard-working duo who were the team's top scorers in 2002.
The club has the potential to be even more explosive in 2003 if forward and captain John Spencer stays healthy. Chris Carrieri, who experienced a breakout 11-goal season in 2002, is expected to partner with the Scotsman but both will see competition from Liberian international Zizi Roberts and preseason scoring sensation Casey Schmidt, who both offer added size up top.
The Rapids defense will have the most to prove. Allowing 48 goals last season (second worst in MLS), the same unit returns except for the team's 2002 ADT Defender of the Year, Ricky Titus. Veteran defender Robin Fraser and goalkeeper Scott Garlick will offer needed leadership to Steven Herdsman and Jeff Stewart on the back line.
2002 rAPIDS Leaders Games Played: Robin Fraser, Chris Henderson (28) Game Started: Chris Henderson (28) Minutes Played: Carlos Valderrama (2479) Points: Mark Chung (11g, 10a = 32pts) Goals: Mark Chung, Chris Carrieri, Chris Henderson (11) Assists: Carlos Valderrama (16) Shots: Mark Chung (83) Shots on Goal: Mark Chung (33) Fouls Committed: Wes Hart (54) Fouls Suffered: Mark Chung (61) Game-winning Goals: Chris Carrieri (5) Game-winning Assists: Carlos Valderrama (6) Goals-Against-Average: Scott Garlick (1.57) Saves: Scott Garlick (61) Shutouts: Scott Garlick (4)
Key acquisitions: D/M Matt Crawford (No. 38 overall SuperDraft selection), F Zizi Roberts, F Casey Schmidt (No. 48 overall SuperDraft selection), GK Scott Vallow, M Nat Borchers, D Billy Sleeth (waiver draft)
Key departures: M Carlos Valderrama, M Raul Palacios, D Rick Titus, GK David Kramer
COLUMBUS CREW
Capturing the 2002 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Championship somewhat cleansed away the disappointment of a frustrating playoff exit at the hands of New England, but the Columbus Crew still seek an MLS Cup Championship to validate the club's success both on and off the field in Central Ohio.
To accomplish that goal, Head Coach Greg Andrulis will rely on a familiar cast. The Crew will again feature three of the most talented forwards in MLS. However, gleaning consistent production from forwards Brian McBride, Jeff Cunningham and Edson Buddle will be a key factor. McBride's true class was evident in his World Cup play and offseason loan to Everton of the English Premier League, but meshing his skills with the raw explosive talent of Cunningham and Buddle and linking the three with a young but talented midfield group will be difficult.
The chore of directing the Crew attack will rest squarely on the capable shoulders of 2002 MLS Rookie of the Year Kyle Martino. Guatemalan Freddy Garcia will be counted on to provide service from the left wing, while Brian Maisonneuve and Duncan Oughton will share defensive midfield duties. On the right side, 28-year old U.S. World Cup Team veteran Frankie Hejduk could displace speedster Brian West, but may also be assigned a defensive role if Andrulis needs back line help.
Under the direction of goalkeeper Jon Busch the Crew defense developed consistency late in the season while center backs Brian Dunseth and Mike Clark also proved to be a cohesive tandem. Andrulis remains in search of the right combination of speed, composure and experience to man the outside back positions where Nelson Akwari, Daniel Torres, Chad McCarty, and Eric Denton will battle for playing time.
2002 CREW LEADERS Games Played: Jeff Cunningham (27) Games Started: Brian Dunseth, Brian Maisonneuve (26) Minutes: Brian Dunseth (2436) Points: Jeff Cunningham (37) Goals: Jeff Cunningham (16) Assists: Brian West (8) Shots: Jeff Cunningham (78) Shots on Goal: Jeff Cunningham (37) Fouls Committed: Brian Maisonneuve (57) Fouls Suffered: Brian Maisonneuve (52) Game-Winning Goals: Jeff Cunningham (3) Game-Winning Assists: Jeff Cunningham (3 Goals-Against-Average: Jon Busch (1.09) Saves: Tom Presthus (73) Shutouts: Jon Busch (5)
Key acquisitions: D Nelson Akwari (trade with MetroStars), D/M Frankie Hejduk, M Ross Paule (trade from MetroStars), M Diego Walsh (No. 7 overall SuperDraft selection)
Key departures: M John Wilmar Perez, M Robert Warzycha (retired), D Chris Leitch (traded to MetroStars)
D.C. UNITED
With an entire offseason to mold the team in his own image, D.C. United's Ray Hudson has given the Black-and-Red a dramatic makeover in hopes of bringing the club back to the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since the club's last title in 1999. With help from his new player/assistant coach Hristo Stoitchkov, Hudson will be tested to find a style that fits his impressive roster.
Gone are United stalwarts Eddie Pope and Jaime Moreno, jettisoned in a trade that brought in defender Mike Petke from the MetroStars and allowed the club to keep storied midfielder Marco Etcheverry on its payroll. However, United did manage to land U.S. National Team veteran Earnie Stewart, who promises to provide a more dangerous offensive presence when paired with 18-year old phenom Santino Quaranta.or 2002 Herman Trophy winner Alecko Eskandarian. Quaranta must prove he can rebound from last year's injury-plagued campaign.
Providing more support for goalkeeper Nick Rimando will be important if United is to improve this season. Hudson is counting on Bulgarian Galin Ivanov to provide leadership while Brandon Prideaux and Nike Project-40 rookie David Stokes, an athletic man-marker from the University of North Carolina, will attempt to fill the shoes of Pope. With Honduran Milton Reyes patrolling the right back position, Hudson can only hope this exciting but diverse group can form a cohesive unit.
Hudson also has an interesting mix of players at his disposal in the midfield, where Etcheverry will be surrounded by a rapidly-maturing Bobby Convey, a healthy Ben Olsen, Dema Kovalenko and defensive midfielder Ryan Nelsen. Maryland native Devin Barclay may also see more time after coming over in a trade with San Jose.
2002 UNITED LEADER Games Played: Nick Rimando (28) Games Started: Nick Rimando (28) Minutes: Nick Rimando (2588) Points: Marco Etcheverry (14) Goals: Bobby Convey, Ali Curtis (5) Assists: Marco Etcheverry (8) Shots: Bobby Convey (39) Shots on Goal: Bobby Convey (25) Fouls Committed: Richie Williams (57) Fouls Suffered: Marco Etcheverry (54) Game-winning Goals: Marco Etcheverry (3) Game-winning Assists: Marco Etcheverry (3) Goals-Against-Average: Nick Rimando (1.39) Saves: Nick Rimando (131) Shutouts: Nick Rimando (7)
Key acquisitions: F Alecko Eskandarian (No. 1 overall SuperDraft selection), M Dema Kovalenko (trade with Chicago Fire), F/M Hristo Stoitchkov (trade with Chicago Fire), Earnie Stewart (allocation), F Devin Barclay (trade with San Jose), D Galin Ivanov, D Mike Petke (trade with MetroStars), D Galin Ivanov (allocation), D David Stokes (No. 5 overall SuperDraft selection)
Key departures: D Ivan McKinley (released), F Jaime Moreno (traded to MetroStars), D Eddie Pope (traded to MetroStars), M Richie Williams (traded to MetroStars), M Petter Villegas
DALLAS BURN
Now entering his third season at the helm of the Dallas Burn, the pressure will be on Head Coach Mike Jeffries to get his team over the hump after three consecutive MLS Cup quarterfinal eliminations.
To take the next step, Jeffries will be counting on a core of players that was kept intact from last year but which also received an injection of youth and depth after the recent 2003 MLS SuperDraft. The plan for incorporating young talent will feature 21-year-old goalkeeper D.J. Countess, taking over the No. 1 jersey from Matt Jordan, who departed during the offseason.
While the midfield has performed consistently under the orchestrations of veteran Oscar Pareja, slashing playmaker Joselito Vaca and left winger Antonio "Chivas" Martinez, it will be the attack that needs to answer the call. The long hot-and-cold spells of forwards Bobby Rhine and Jason Kreis in 2002 could open the door for Eddie "E.J." Johnson to step in and claim a starting spot with the Burn, following his participation in the Under-20 FIFA Youth World Championship.
One of the most important acquisitions of 2003 was already made more than a year ago in the person of defender Chris Gbandi and his refined left foot. The 2001 Hermann Trophy winner and the 2002 No. 1 SuperDraft selection will make his MLS debut after sitting out all of last year recuperating from an ACL tear.
The Burn's back line will be its strength led by the athletic Tenywa Bonseu, the experienced Steve Morrow, the speedy Paul Broome and the fiery Ryan Suarez. Adding to an already impressive defensive corps is the addition of first round SuperDraft selection Shavar Thomas, a promising player with undisputed technical and physical ability.
2002 Burn LeaderS Games Played: Five players tied (27) Game Started: Tenywa Bonseu, Matt Jordan (27) Minutes Played: Matt Jordan (2511) Points: Jason Kreis (13g, 4a = 30pts) Goals: Jason Kreis (13) Assists: Antonio Martinez (10) Shots: Jason Kreis (81) Shots on Goal: Jason Kreis (38) Fouls Committed: Oscar Pareja (64) Fouls Suffered: Oscar Pareja (58) Game-winning Goals: Jason Kreis (5) Game-winning Assists: Oscar Pareja, Joselito Vaca (4) Goals-Against-Average: Matt Jordan (1.51) Saves: Matt Jordan (109) Shutouts: Matt Jordan (3)
Key acquisitions: M Brad Davis (trade with MetroStars), GK Jeff Cassar, D Shavar Thomas (No. 10 overall SuperDraft selection), F Jason Thompson (No. 15 overall SuperDraft selection)
Key departures: D/M Jorge Rodriguez, GK Matt Jordan
KANSAS CITY WIZARDS
If there was one criticism continuously leveled at Bob Gansler and his Kansas City Wizards in past seasons, including during their MLS Cup 2000 title run, it has been the squad's lack of consistent offensive production, giving off the image of a "defensive" team.
But in a blockbuster transaction, the Wizards acquired U.S. National Team forward Josh Wolff, finally providing the team with the marquee natural goal poacher they had been missing. The competition for the second slot will include Russian Igor Simutenkov and Argentine Dario Fabbro, who both return after showing glimpses of their capabilities in their debut campaigns. The versatile Stephen Armstrong is another option in attack.
Other sectors will also undergo changes as the departure of veteran players clears the way for younger, new faces. The back line is set to benefit from increased depth with the usually solid Nick Garcia, Carey Talley and Diego Gutierrez being joined by newcomer Jimmy Conrad and Jose Burciaga Jr., who returns from an ACL injury. Goalkeeper Tony Meola will be counted on more than ever to organize the defensive efforts.
The midfield is equally deep and features two of the most skillful flank players in MLS in Eric Quill (left) and Chris Klein (right). When it comes to creativity, the Wizards should be in good hands with Francisco Gomez and Preki providing service for Wolff and company.
No one questions the fact that the Wizards have a roster in which every name can be a solid contributor. However, it will be a matter of whether the club has the difference makers to avoid the mad scrambles of recent years for a postseason berth.
2002 WIZARDS Leaders Games Played: Chris Brown (28) Game Started: Nick Garcia, Kerry Zavagnin (27) Minutes Played: Nick Garcia (2499) Points: Preki (7g, 10a = 24pts) Goals: Chris Klein, Preki (7) Assists: Preki (10) Shots: Preki (84) Shots on Goal: Preki (44) Fouls Committed: Stephen Armstrong (45) Fouls Suffered: Kerry Zavagnin (54) Game-winning Goals: Three players tied (2) Game-winning Assists: Four players tied (2) Goals-Against-Average: Tony Meola (1.24) Saves: Tony Meola (65) Shutouts: Tony Meola (3)
Key acquisitions: F Josh Wolff (trade with Chicago Fire), D Jimmy Conrad (trade with San Jose Earthquakes), M Jack Jewsbury (No. 43 overall SuperDraft selection), D Taylor Graham (No. 33 overall SuperDraft selection), D Kevin Friedland (No. 53 overall SuperDraft selection)
Key departures: M Matt McKeon, D Mike Burns, D Peter Vermes
LOS ANGELES GALAXY
The Los Angeles Galaxy were MLS' best team in 2002 with an MLS Cup to prove it, and the best team got even better. In fact, Head Coach Sigi Schmid succeeded in bolstering a lineup which returns virtually unchanged. MLS Honda MVP Carlos "El Pescadito" Ruiz and forward Cobi Jones will be back to lead the charge in a season which will see the champions christen the state-of-the-art Home Depot Center and compete on three fronts.
The marquee additions in 2003 include the most recognizable figure in South Korean soccer - defender Hong Myung Bo. The 2002 FIFA Best XI player joins a defense that already includes veteran Alexi Lalas, Jamaican international Tyrone Marshall and the U.S. National Team's Danny Califf.
The other big name to join the fold is Alex Pineda Chacon, MLS' 2001 Honda MVP. The classy Honduran will be looking to make up for a disappointing 2002 in which he was relegated to substitute action for the New England Revolution. With the creativity of Mauricio Cienfuegos, the hustle of Simon Elliott, the geometric play of Peter Vagenas and the work rate of Sasha Victorine, the midfield is in the hands of seasoned pros.
Sigi Schmid's team has not come upon success by accident. Instead it has happened through calculated personnel and development moves culminating every year in a crop of players ready to steal the limelight. Second-year players Gavin Glinton, Jesus Ochoa, Alejandro Moreno and Isaias Bardales are all in a position to earn a starting spot while rookies Ricky Lewis and Guillermo Gonzalez are the next names of those who will be nurtured and groomed as MLS' next dynasty continues its winning tradition.
2002 GALAXY Leaders Games Played: Three players tied (26) Game Started: Three players tied (26) Minutes Played: Carlos Ruiz (2376) Points: Carlos Ruiz (49) Goals: Carlos Ruiz (24) Assists: Cobi Jones (13) Shots: Carlos Ruiz (100) Shots on Goal: Carlos Ruiz (56) Fouls Committed: Carlos Ruiz (71) Fouls Suffered: Carlos Ruiz (71) Game-winning Goals: Carlos Ruiz (9) Game-winning Assists: Simon Elliott (5) Goals-Against-Average: Kevin Hartman (1.09) Saves: Kevin Hartman (83) Shutouts: Kevin Hartman (5)
Key acquisitions: M/F Alex Pineda Chacon, D/M Hong Myung Bo, GK Dan Popik, D Scot Thompson (No. 16 overall SuperDraft selection), D Ricky Lewis (No. 20 overall SuperDraft selection), M/F Guillermo Gonzalez (No. 8 overall SuperDraft selection)
Key departures: F Brian Mullan (traded to San Jose), D Craig Waibel (waived), GK Matt Reis (traded to New England)
METROSTARS
For fans of the MetroStars, the new tradition ushered in by New Jersey native Bob Bradley could very well be a secret until the MetroStars season opener on April 12. With only six field players returning from last year's squad that flamed out spectacularly down the stretch, about the only thing written in stone for the Metros is that Bradley has wasted no time putting his stamp on the club.
A preseason hernia injury temporarily scuttled the offseason progress of super striker Clint Mathis, but the Georgia native appears to be more focused in 2003 as he looks to restore his reputation as a clutch goal-scorer. With last year's Budweiser Scoring Leader, Rodrigo Faria, jettisoned to Chicago as compensation for Bradley's coaching services, and Mamadou Diallo sold to a Saudi Arabian club at the conclusion of 2002, the MetroStars brought in D.C. United striker Jaime Moreno to pair with Mathis and hope that U-20 sensation Mike Magee, one of Bradley's youth projects from Chicago, learns from two of America's best how to find the back of the net.
In an effort to provide support for 2002 Pepsi Best XI goalkeeper Tim Howard, the MetroStars have added U.S. National Team defender Eddie Pope to their back line. Pope's presence will go a long way towards ensuring that Howard doesn't lead the league in shots faced and saves made for the third consecutive season. Exactly who will form the supporting cast for Pope and Howard is uncertain, but incumbents Steve Jolley and Craig Ziadie will likely face competition as Bradley looks to improve the team, which will rely on veteran Richie Williams for defensive bite.
2002 METROSTARS LEADERS Games Played: Rodrigo Faria (28) Games Started: Tim Howard (27) Minutes: Tim Howard 2463 Points: Rodrigo Faria (29) Goals: Rodrigo Faria (12) Assists: Andy Williams (13) Shots: Rodrigo Faria (90) Shots on Goal: Rodrigo Faria (49) Fouls Committed: Mike Petke (41) Fouls Suffered: Andy Williams (74) Game-winning Goals: Mamadou Diallo (4) Game-winning Assists: Andy Williams (4) Goals-Against-Average: Tim Howard (1.61) Saves: Tim Howard (140) Shutouts: Tim Howard (4)
Key acquisitions: F Jaime Moreno (trade with D.C. United), D Eddie Pope (trade with D.C. United), M Richie Williams (trade with D.C. United), M Ricardo Clark (No. 2 overall SuperDraft selection), F Eddie Gaven (No. 12 overall SuperDraft selection), M/F Mike Magee (No. 4 overall SuperDraft selection), D Chris Leitch (trade with Columbus), D Tim Regan (No. 17 overall SuperDraft selection), M Jacob LeBlanc (No. 42 overall SuperDraft selection)
Key departures: M Tab Ramos (retired), D Mike Petke (traded to D.C. United), D Nelson Akwari (traded to Columbus), F Rodrigo Faria (traded to Chicago Fire), F Mamadou Diallo, M Andy Williams (traded to Chicago), M Brad Davis (traded to Dallas), D Ted Chronopoulos, M Ross Paule (traded to Columbus)
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
The New England Revolution will have the opportunity to build upon a surprising 2002 season which saw the club advance to MLS Cup in a dream final played on the team's home field at Gillette Stadium. Head Coach Steve Nicol, who transformed the club upon taking the reins of the team in the middle of the 2002 campaign, enters a season as head coach for the first time in his career. It was Nicol who gave the club a new personality and team spirit and the players responded, fighting and scrapping for every goal and result.
Practically the entire team returns. The departures - Alex Pineda Chacon, Juergen Sommer, Braeden Cloutier and Jim Rooney - have been adequately replaced by an offseason acquisition campaign highlighted by the arrival of Revolution legend Joe-Max Moore, who remains the team's all-time scoring leader. The former Everton player is expected to partner with Budweiser Scoring Champion Taylor Twellman, who returns as a U.S. National Team player after starting last year off the bench in New England. All eyes will be on Twellman and whether he will be able to repeat his 23-goal performance in 2002. Jamaican international Wolde Harris offers both players fierce competition for the forward slots.
The question is whether the Revolution have the personnel in midfield to offer regular service to the front line. Right winger Steve Ralston, the reigning MLS assist leader, is a known commodity and his offensive production will continue to be the most important feature of the attack. On the other side of the field Brian Kamler provides a presence on both sides of the ball with Winston Griffiths offering an attack-oriented alternative off the bench. Although less prominent with their passing play, Daniel Hernandez and Leo Cullen are a functional pairing in midfield who together are expected to dictate the tempo of New England's game.
With the same rock-solid defense anchored by stalwarts Joey Franchino, Daouda Kante and Carlos Llamosa in front of rejuvenated goalkeeper Adin Brown, the Revolution's greatest weakness may lie in their lack of depth. With unproven options on reserve, Nicol must prove he can deal with any injury setbacks which invariably strike every team.
2002 Revolution Leaders Games Played: Leo Cullen, Taylor Twellman (28) Game Started: Leo Cullen (27) Minutes Played: Steve Ralston (2460) Points: Taylor Twellman (52) Goals: Taylor Twellman (23) Assists: Steve Ralston (19) Shots: Taylor Twellman (92) Shots on Goal: Taylor Twellman (58) Fouls Committed: Taylor Twellman (55) Fouls Suffered: Taylor Twellman (87) Game-winning Goals: Taylor Twellman (5) Game-winning Assists: Steve Ralston (5) Goals-Against-Average: Adin Brown (1.23) Saves: Adin Brown (72) Shutouts: Adin Brown (5)
Key acquisitions: F Joe-Max Moore, D Shalrie Joseph, GK Matt Reis (trade with Los Angeles Galaxy), M Pat Noonan (No. 9 overall SuperDraft pick)
Key departures: M Alex Pineda Chacon (rights traded to Los Angeles Galaxy), F Diego Serna, M Braeden Cloutier (waived), GK Juergen Sommer, M Jim Rooney
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
After a run of two seasons with many of the same players, Head Coach Frank Yallop is now wrestling with a slight changeover in San Jose. However, replacing four members of his starting lineup might not be that difficult a job.
After all, he has the most recognizable face in American soccer today - 21-year-old Landon Donovan - at his disposal. After re-signing with MLS for two more seasons, the 2002 World Cup star will be counted upon to carry the team on his shoulders when necessary.
Despite a perceived exodus, the core of the Quakes still stands strong. The experienced Jeff Agoos and Troy Dayak anchor the back line while the midfield remains intact. Ronnie Ekelund and Richard Mulrooney return to partner in central midfield while Manny Lagos (left) and Ian Russell (right) take their place on the wings.
The transition in goal should be smooth as 'keeper Jon Conway, a three-year member of the Quakes, finally gets his chance in place of Joe Cannon. By the time he recovers from an unfortunate broken ankle, he will likely have to compete for a starter's spot with newly acquired Canadian veteran netminder Pat Onstad. Eddie Robinson has already shown he can excel at central defender, even earning a U.S. National Team call-up. He looks to take the spot of Jimmy Conrad, traded to Kansas City.
It is likely that Canadian National Team forward Dwayne DeRosario, the MLS Cup 2001 MVP and another familiar face in San Jose, will assume the forward role formerly belonging to Ariel Graziani. First-round SuperDraft selection Todd Dunivant should be the only rookie in the starting lineup at left back as he replaces Wade Barrett.
The offseason acquisitions of former Galaxy players Craig Waibel (defender) and Brian Mullan (forward) together with a healthy selection of SuperDraft picks will feed the competitive fires as San Jose looks to maintain its hardworking character on the field.
2002 EARTHQUAKES Leaders Games Played: Three players tied (28) Game Started: Wade Barrett (28) Minutes Played: Wade Barrett (2555) Points: Ariel Graziani (14g, 5a = 33pts) Goals: Ariel Graziani (14) Assists: Ramiro Corrales (9) Shots: Ariel Graziani (69) Shots on Goal: Ariel Graziani (39) Fouls Committed: Ramiro Corrales (59) Fouls Suffered: Richard Mulrooney (73) Game-winning Goals: Ariel Graziani (6) Game-winning Assists: Dwayne DeRosario (4) Goals-Against-Average: Joe Cannon (1.10) Saves: Joe Cannon (100) Shutouts: Joe Cannon (8)
Key acquisitions: GK Pat Onstad (discovery player from Rochester Raging Rhinos), F Brian Mullan (trade with Los Angeles Galaxy), F Brian Ching (Supplemental Draft), D Craig Waibel (waiver draft), F Arturo Alvarez (No. 13 overall SuperDraft selection), D Todd Dunivant, GK Josh Saunders (No. 36 overall SuperDraft selection), M/F Jamil Walker (39th overall SuperDraft selection)
Key departures: F Ariel Graziani (loaned to Barcelona of Ecuador), GK Joe Cannon, D Wade Barrett, D Jimmy Conrad (traded to Kansas City)
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Major League Soccer Stories from April 5, 2003
