UP NEXT, COLORADO:
The MetroStars play the second game of their two game home stand when the Colorado Rapids travel to Giants Stadium. The Metros will host the Rapids, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET. This will be the second and final meeting between the two clubs this season, with the first resulting in a 3-1 win for the Metros in snowy Colorado on April 30. (TV: FSC, Spanish Radio: WADO 1280 AM).
The Metros will travel to Columbus to play the Crew on July 20. This will be their third meeting of the season with the Metros winning the previous two.
Tickets are available for all MetroStars home 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).
GALAXY RECAP: The Metros are coming off a win at home, beating the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 on July 9. Amado Guevara and Eddie Gaven tallied goals for the MetroStars in the contest, Guevara's coming on a Penalty Kick.
METROS FINISH SECOND QUARTER OF SEASON: The MetroStars finished up the second quarter of their season with a win on July 9 against the Los Angeles Galaxy. That win gave the Metros a record of 4-1-3 in their last eight games, putting them in fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
UNBEATEN AT HOME IN LAST FIVE: After going winless in their first five home games of the season, the Metros have put together an unbeaten streak of five games at home going into their game on July 16 against the Colorado Rapids. The Metros are 3-0-2 during this stretch, beating Chicago, Columbus and L.A. while tying D.C. and New England.
IBRAHIM RETURNS: 18-year old forward Abbe Ibrahim had successful surgery to repair a tear in his left lateral meniscus (left knee) on June 20, 2005. After successful rehab and being sidelined for 3+ weeks, Ibrahim made his return to the Metros much sooner than expected, coming in as a sub in the 72nd minute on July 9 vs. L.A.
BRADLEY VS. THE RAPIDS: Since coming to the MetroStars before the 2003 season, head coach Bob Bradley has a record of 3-3-0 against the Rapids. Over the course of his head coaching career, Bradley has a 11-9-1 record against the Rapids, and a 2-2-3 record against Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo (dating back to when Bradley was coaching the Fire, and when Clavijo was coaching the Revolution).
RAZOV VS. THE RAPIDS: MetroStars forward Ante Razov has accumulated some impressive statistics against the Rapids over his career. In just 13 games against Colorado, Razov has scored eight goals and tallied two assists.
HATS OFF: The MetroStars last meeting with the Rapids on April 30 marked the first hat-trick of MetroStars Captain Amado Guevara's career.
SUAREZ SCORES AGAINST THE RAPIDS: Newly acquired MetroStars defender Ryan Suarez has tallied five goals over the course of his MLS career. Two of those goals have come against the Colorado Rapids.
PASSBACK: This weekend will be the U.S. Soccer Foundation Passback weekend at Giants Stadium. The U.S. Soccer Foundation, the major charitable arm of soccer in the United States, and Major League Soccer's (MLS) Charity of Choice, has issued the 2005 Challenge to all 12 MLS teams, in partnership with Eurosport. This year's challenge calls for the collection of 10,000+ pieces of new or gently-used soccer equipment and uniforms, which will then be distributed in each of the MLS team's local communities, going to teams, clubs, and individuals who are in need of assistance with uniforms, shoes, and other equipment.
With the 2005 MLS season now underway, teams are encouraging fans to clean out closets, basements and garages, and collect soccer equipment and clothing that is still in good condition. Local teams, clubs and leagues are encouraged to donate the items at their local MLS teams' stadium.
Eurosport, the Foundation's Supporter for Soccer Equipment and Uniforms, provides a $200 gift certificate to shop through their catalogue to the individual or group contributing the largest donation. Special drawings take place at each Passback event for soccer fans to win special memorabilia from their local MLS team. In addition, many of the teams offer discounts for future matches.
METRO SOCCER REPORT: MSG will air the Metro Soccer Report this week on Thursday at 10:30 p.m. ET. The show will also re-run three more times (on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. ET and on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. ET).
