MetroStars 1999

Jan. 20 - Forward Giovanni Savarese, along with a second-round selection in the 2000 MLS College Draft, is traded to the New England Revolution in a three-team trade that brings forward Raul Diaz Arce to the MetroStars. Diaz Arce and Chilean international midfielder Marcelo Vega are then traded to the San Jose Clash for an allocated player to be named and future considerations. Savarese departs the MetroStars as the team record-holder with 41 goals in league play, 44 in all competitions.

Jan. 28 - In the busiest day in team history, GM Charlie Stillitano continues the MetroStars rebuilding by trading goalkeeper Tony Meola and defender Alexi Lalas to the Kansas City Wizards in exchange for midfielder Mark Chung and goalkeeper Mike Ammann. Later in the day, the trading continues as defender Diego Sonora is dealt to D.C. United, by way of San Jose, in another three-team deal. In exchange for Sonora, the MetroStars receive United’s second and third-round selections in the 2000 MLS College Draft and San Jose’s third-round pick in the 2000 MLS College Draft.

Aug. 17 - MLS signs German superstar Lothar Matthäus and allocates him to the MetroStars for the 2000 MLS Season.

Oct. 29 - The MetroStars and head coach Bora Milutinovic mutually agree to part ways. MetroStars assistant coach Fernando Clavijo named interim head coach.

Nov. 9 - Lothar Matthäus is presented to the local media at the ESPNZone in New York City.

Nov. 29 - MetroStars name Octavio Zambrano head coach.