MLS New York Red Bulls

Pre-Game Report: MetroStars vs. Chicago

Published on August 22, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York Red Bulls News Release


Up Next, Chicago: The MetroStars are back home this Sunday, August 24, when they host the Chicago Fire in a meeting with the current Eastern Conference leader. The Fire, who lead the MetroStars by five points in the East, are coming off of a 1-0, midweek victory over Los Angeles on Wednesday in Naperville, IL.

Tickets are available for all MetroStars games at the 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).

Instant Replay: The Metros came from behind again Saturday, August 16, as John Wolyniec scored the equalizer in the 86th minute to lift the "Red and Black" to a 1-1 tie with the Galaxy in Los Angeles. Goalkeeper Jonny Walker had another stellar game between the pipes, as he made 6 crucial saves. Over the past three games Walker has made 26 stops.

US Open Cup: The MetroStars will host the New England Revolution in the quarterfinals of the 2003 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, August 27 at Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University, kicking off at 7:30 P.M. ET. Tickets to the game are $20 and $12 and can be purchased through the MetroStars front office located at One Harmon Plaza in Secaucus, NJ, via www.metrostars.com and through the Rutgers University box office. For more information call 1-888-4METROTIX.

The MetroStars advanced to the quarters of the prestigious single-elimination tournament with a thrilling 4-3 come from behind victory over the defending Open Cup Champion Columbus Crew on August 6 in Columbus, OH in fourth round play. Metros captain Eddie Pope scored twice - including the game-winner - in the second half and defender Steve Jolley added another, as the "Red and Black" blasted three unanswered goals in the second half, to overcome a two-goal deficit. Pope's goals marked his first for the Metros with the second, game winning goal, coming in the 86th minute.

Walker Player of Week: MetroStars goalkeeper Jonny Walker was named MLS Player of the Week by the Professional Soccer Reporters Association for the week ending August 17, 2003. The Memphis, TN native also earned Man of the Match honors after shutting the door on the defending MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Galaxy in a 1-1 draw at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.

Los Angeles midfielder Mauricio Cienfuegos was particularly dangerous on an 85th minute free kick but his curling shot that was aimed for the top left corner of the goal was tipped over the bar by Walker.

The save set the stage for another late comeback by the MetroStars one minute later. A Mark Lisi cross from the right side was headed against the crossbar by forward Clint Mathis. The ball bounced off the ground and on the head of an onrushing Wolyniec, who lobbed a header of his own from two yards out over the goalkeeper for his third tally of the season.

The late game drama would not end as Walker made the most spectacular save of the day on a full volley by Galaxy midfielder Peter Vagenas in second half added time. Walker would also have to preserve the result in the fifth minute of overtime as the Galaxy's Ruiz dribbled in alone on Walker and sent a left-footed shot on goal, which the goalkeeper stopped with his chest.

Walker has appeared in five MLS matches in the 2003 season, making 36 saves, including 26 in the past three. The 6'3" shot stopper joined the Metros on July 14, 2003 as a replacement for Tim Howard, who joined Manchester United.

Jolley Loves Playin' with Fire: MetroStars defender Steve Jolley has scored nine goals in his seven MLS seasons. One third of those goals (3) have come against the Chicago Fire, with the latest being the crucial tying strike in the 86th minute of the MetroStars 1-1 draw with the Fire on August 9th in Naperville, IL.

Jolley also currently leads the league in blocked shots, as he has blocked three on the season.

Slow Start, Strong Finish: The MetroStars have conceded the first goal to their opponents in their last six of their last seven contests. However, despite this early deficit, the Metros have rebounded well, and maintained a record of 2-1-3 in these contests.

86'in It: In two of the MetroStars last three MLS games the team has produced a goal in the 86th minute to force a critical tie on the road. The first goal came against Chicago on August 9th when the MetroStars were trailing the Fire 1-0, and Steve Jolley knotted the game up with a left footed volley that found the back of the net. The second 86th minute miracle came one week later when John Wolyniec headed home the tying goal in Los Angeles, to produce a 1-1 draw with the Galaxy.

Clark Chasing Hartman: MetroStars standout rookie midfielder Ricardo Clark trails Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman by one minute for the league lead in minutes played. Clark, who has only missed 10 minutes for the Metros this season, has clocked 1879 minutes on the field for the "Red and Black" in the squad's 20 games.

MetroStars to Tangle with China: It was announced last week that the MetroStars will be taking on China on Tuesday, September 9th,at Giants Stadium. The match will be the first international exhibition for the Metros this season and is the first time the Chinese Men's National Team will appear at Giants Stadium since a 1977 exhibition with the New York Cosmos.

China last played in the United States on January 27, 2001, in Oakland, CA in a 2-1 loss to the U.S. Tickets are priced at $30 each. Tickets will also be available through Ticketmaster on Wednesday, August 6 on www.ticketmaster.com and 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). For group information please call 1-888-4METROTIX.

Making Strides: MetroStars forward John Wolyniec has been playing in Major League Soccer since 1999, however this season is rapidly becoming his break-out year. Wolyniec has seen action in 15 games this season (started six) and in addition to recording one assist, he has established career highs in minutes (730), points (seven) and goals (three).

Wolyniec's latest goal, may have been his most important, as he headed home a shot in the 86th minute on Saturday night, to lift the Metros to a 1-1 tie with the Galaxy, and keep the "Red and Black" just two points out of first place in the Eastern Conference.

Mathis Chasing Gio: MetroStars forward Clint Mathis is rapidly chasing records set by former Metro forward Giovanni Savarese for most all-time MetroStars points and goals. Savarese currently holds both records with 94 points and 41 goals, and Mathis sits just behind him with 83 points and 31 goals. It took Savarese 85 games (63 starts) to achieve these marks, and currently Mathis has played just 56 games (55 starts) in his MetroStars career.

After the Show, It's the After Party: After the MetroStars game on Wednesday, Metros players, coaches, staff and fans will be gathering at Shula's Steak 2 located at the Wyndham Newark Airport, which is just minutes from Giants Stadium for some post game celebration and fun.

Check out the New York Red Bulls Statistics

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



Major League Soccer Stories from August 22, 2003


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