MLS Red Bull New York

Pre-Game Report: MetroStars vs. D.C. United

Published on May 9, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Red Bull New York News Release


MetroStars vs. D.C. United
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2003
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Tickets: Available 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).

USSF Passback Night: The United States Soccer Foundation, in conjunction with Resource Center Partner, Eurosport, and the MetroStars will be collecting old but usable soccer gear as part of their Passback Program during the home game against DC United. The soccer gear will be collected at the US Soccer Foundation tables located at Gates B & D at Giants Stadium. All of the equipment that the US Soccer Foundation collects at the game will be donated to local soccer associations in the Tri-State area.

The US Soccer Foundation is developing the sport of soccer across America through innovative partnerships and grants that help underwrite and support soccer programs and field development. Since it's creation in 1994, the Foundation has put more than $35 million into the sport nationwide. For more information about the Foundation's programs, visit ussoccerfoundation.org.

METRO NOTES

Atlantic Cup Heats Up: The Metro-D.C. rivalry picks up new meaning with the Metros carrying five former United players on the roster. Mark Lisi, Jaime Moreno, Richie Williams, Craig Ziadie, and Eddie Pope have all played for D.C. and Metro coach Bob Bradley is a former United assistant coach.

Mathis vs. D.C.: MetroStars midfielder/forward Clint Mathis has scored four goals and three assists for 11 points against United. Mathis is one of three current Metros, who have scored against D.C. Joey DiGiamarino and Mark Lisi have notched goals against United and Joe Addo and Steve Jolley have managed an assist each. Former Metros Giovanni Savarese (6g, 2a) and Antony DeAvila (5g, 4a) lead the team all-time with 14 points each against D.C.

Howard vs. United: MetroStars goalkeeper Tim Howard has posted a 4-4-0 record against D.C. with a 1.63 GAA. Howard has allowed 13 goals in eight games against D.C. and has recorded one shutout on August 25, 2002, in 1-0 win at Giants Stadium.

U.S. Metros: MetroStars goalkeeper Tim Howard (six caps), midfielder/forward Clint Mathis (30 caps/11 goals), and defender Eddie Pope (57/5) all played for the U.S. National Team in a 0-0 draw with arch-rival Mexico on Thursday evening in front of 69,582 fans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX. Howard and Pope played the entire match, while Mathis started, but was substituted at half time for D.C. forward Earnie Stewart. Howard made five saves to solidify his second shutout for the nation and first against Mexico. The game marked the first time three MetroStars started for the U.S.

The shutout for the U.S. defense marked the sixth clean sheet for the United States in their last seven matches against Mexico. The U.S. also extended their impressive home shutout streak over Mexico to 483 minutes, stretching across six games, all the way back to 1999.

The U.S. next faces Wales on May 26 in San Jose, (7 p.m. PT, live on ESPN2), and will then host Paraguay in a preparation match for the Gold Cup on July 6 at Columbus Crew Stadium.

Metros' Argentine Duo: The MetroStars acquired defender Juan Forchetti and midfielder José Galván on loan from Argentine giants Boca Juniors. The duo will count as transitional internationals. The players will join the team once their visas are processed. Both players started two games for the Metros against Boca Juniors and Huracán in Argentina during preseason training in March.

Bradley vs. Hudson: MetroStars coach Bob Bradley has posted a 2-4-2 regular season mark against D.C. coach Ray Hudson.

Pope the Rock: Defender Eddie Pope has been rock-steady at center defense for the MetroStars, helping to nullify the high-powered attacks of preseason favorites Los Angeles and Columbus. On April 26, Pope anchored the team's backline during an impressive 1-0 road win at Columbus, limiting Crew forwards Brian McBride and Jeff Cunningham to just five total shots with only one on frame. In four games this season, Pope has played all 370 minutes for Bob Bradley and the MetroStars (2-1-1, 7 pts).

Just Jolley: MetroStars defender Steve Jolley has joined Eddie Pope as the spine of the MetroStars defense. The Virginia Beach native has totaled 370 minutes so far this season forming a tight defense. The three goals the team has allowed in the first four games for an average of 0.75 ranks the defense second in the league behind San Jose at 0.50.

Ziadie Earns MLS Player of the Week: MetroStars defender Craig Ziadie was named MLS Player of the Week by the Professional Soccer Reporters Association for the week ending May 4, 2003. The Jamaican international, in his third MLS season, captured his first-ever weekly honor after leading the MetroStars' comeback on Saturday with his first career goal and an assist in a 2-1 home victory over the Colorado Rapids at Giants Stadium.

The 24-year-old started at left back for the MetroStars and then moved to right back when Chris Leitch went down with an injury. From his natural position he then led the charge as the Metros overcame a one-goal deficit after the break. In a matter of 12 minutes in the second half Ziadie assisted on Clint Mathis' 51st minute goal and then gave the Metros the lead for good on a spectacular solo effort in the 62nd minute. The University of Richmond product collected the ball on the right flank, converged toward the center of the field, dribbled his way to the top of the box and unleashed an accurate left-footed shot, which beat goalkeeper Scott Vallow.

Bradley All Alone at the Top: MetroStars head coach Bob Bradley earned his 84th career regular season win this past Saturday at Giants Stadium. Bradley took the all-time coaching lead with his 83rd win on April 26 at Columbus in a 1-0 win. The win moved him to the top of the all-time MLS win charts, surpassing Thomas Rongen (DC, NE, TB) with 82. The Princeton graduate also owns 13 career playoff wins, putting him just one behind U.S. National Team and former DC United Head Coach Bruce Arena and two behind current Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid.

Magee Sets Another Age Mark: Mike Magee, who recently set the record for the youngest player (18 years, 222 days) to play for the MetroStars in the April 12 season opener, set another age mark against Columbus this past Saturday by becoming the youngest player to score for the MetroStars at 18 years & 236 days. Magee, who immediately flew to Chicago following the win to attend his girlfriend's prom, scored his first-ever goal in the 59th minute of the 1-0 win at Columbus Crew Stadium before a national audience on ESPN2.

Among The MLS Leaders: Steve Jolley leads with two blocks... Mathis is tied for first in shots (16) and third overall in shots on goals (7) and corner kicks (13)...Tim Howard is second in saves (21) and catch/punches (24).

Nine Players Make Metro Debut: Defender/midfielder Tim Regan became the ninth player on the roster this season to make his Metro debut when he came on as a late substitute for Amado Guevara. The other players are Ricardo Clark, Joey DiGiamarino, Jacob LeBlanc, Mike Magee, Jaime Moreno, Eddie Pope, Chris Leitch, and Amado Guevara.

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Major League Soccer Stories from May 9, 2003


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