Here is a glimpse at some of the international players that had tryouts in Bradenton:
Sherif Toure, from Togo, had a great camp. He uses his long strides to his advantage and has shown tremendous athleticism in the midfield.
Abbe Ibrahim, also from Togo, shined in the friendly vs. San Jose. Like Toure, he is very athletic and causes problems for the opposition's defense.
Despite arriving in Florida just this past week, Oleg Moskalewiecz has demonstrated a knack for finishing. A deceptively quick midfielder, Moskalewiecz hammered home a number of shots during Wednesday's afternoon practice.
Irishman Eamon Zayed was consistent throughout the trip at forward. The 21-year old Bray Wanderer looks experienced beyond his years and scored the lone goal in the Metros' 1-1 draw with FC Dallas.
Long Island native and Rochester Rhinos alum Carlos Mendes has shown flashes. He fit right in with the Metros' back four and performed well in each of the scrimmages.
Brazilian Diego Giaretta is another young defender who is hoping to make the Metros' roster. He was one of the hardest working players in camp and played well before succumbing to an ankle injury that forced him to miss the last three days of training.
Forward Vlade Glusevic, defender Yossi Rosen and goalkeeper Eddie Gustafsson departed Bradenton earlier in the week without receiving contract offers from the club.
UNSUNG HEROES: Defenders Jeff Parke and Tim Regan are two players who have quietly had solid camps. Parke and Regan are both hard workers who always give 100 percent on the field, whether during practices or in games.
CAN'T BREAK TRADITION: It was midfielder Oleg Moskalewiecz's birthday on Wednesday, and because he did not want to break the Polish tradition of treating his friends to a round of drinks on his birthday, he purchased a bottle of champagne to share with all the of-age Metros. Both players and coaches participated in a toast in honor of Oleg. Because the Metros had a game the next morning, Oleg could not celebrate as much as he might have in Poland, but enjoyed the gesture nonetheless. "Na zdrowie!" he said as he rose his Gatorade cup, which means "Cheers!" in Polish.
MO MONEY: Former MLS and Scottish national team veteran and current assistant coach Mo Johnston is always actively involved in the Metros' practices. Whether he is crossing the ball on finishing drills or playing in nine-on-nine scrimmages when the team needs an extra body, Johnston shows that he still can play at a high level.
TRAINING ROOM: Defender Tenywa Bonseu suffered a strained groin and missed this past week's training.
Forward Sergio Galvan Rey was held out of the final four games and the majority of camp with a strained hamstring.
Mike Magee sustained a left knee sprain in the San Jose match. He will undergo a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam at a date to be determined.
Both Seth Stammler and Chris Leitch are progressing as scheduled from their respective surgeries.
