After an offseason wrought with rumors of unhappiness, disagreements and trades, MetroStars midfielder Amado Guevara has finally joined his teammates for their 2006 preseason. He participated in training with the club on Monday morning at the IMG Academies in Florida.
"I am very happy to join the team again. I have always deeply believed that the MetroStars is the only team for me," Guevara said in a statement issued by the team Monday. "Obviously, there were words exchanged between [MetroStars President/General Manager] Alexi Lalas and I in the press, but that is really common in the soccer world. I spoke with Alexi and the coaching staff this morning and we put that behind us. My goals right now are to work hard and regain my starting position on this team and most importantly, be part of the club that brings the first MLS Cup championship home to our fans."
The Honduras international arrived in the Tampa area on Sunday night following the club's 1-0 win over the U.S. U-17 national team as part of the second annual Tom Fitzgerald Memorial Soccer Festival. By Monday morning, the playmaker was back on the field with the Red and Black.
"This morning we had a long and frank discussion with Amado Guevara regarding his future with the MetroStars," said Lalas, who is with the team in Bradenton. "Ultimately, he is being given a precious opportunity to prove to his teammates, his coaches and most importantly, the MetroStars fans that he is 100 percent committed to our team.
"What it comes down to is that we expect a different Amado Guevara, on and off the field. He understands that he needs to change for the good of the team and that actions speak louder than words. Amado has the talent to become an icon in Major League Soccer and MetroStars lore; the question is, whether he truly wants to."
After a war of words with Lalas, there was much speculation that Guevara would not be a part of the MetroStars in 2006. As he is still under contract with the league, there were various reports indicating that the MetroStars were shopping his services around the league, with several other high-profile players mentioned as potential replacements in a swap.
The 2004 Honda MLS MVP was then reportedly delayed in joining the club after having visa problems. Guevara spent the offseason in his native land, even playing for his old club CD Motagua, which escalated the disagreement between he and Lalas across various publications.
But now it appears that all that is in the past, as Guevara seemed in good spirits Monday, joking around with coaches and teammates and enduring the full workout, which included a heavy load of fitness work before the session wrapped up shortly before noon.
Guevara's coaches and teammates were certainly glad to see one of their star players return. They also were pleased to see that Guevara seemed happy to be back with the squad.
"We are delighted that Amado has joined us in camp," said head coach Mo Johnston. "There have been a lot of things said in recent weeks, but those are behind us now. Amado addressed his teammates this morning at training and we are ready to move forward. He knows there is a lot of hard work ahead of him."
"(We are) definitely happy to have him back," added Mike Magee, who joined the club around the same time as Guevara for the 2003 season. "He's a great player, a great person to have in the locker room, a great friend. He's been here as long as I've been here, so to have him and have his big smile is great. It's a good feeling."
It's easy to understand why the Metros are so excited to have No. 20 back for a fourth season at Giants Stadium. He has been a revelation the last three seasons, recording 24 goals and 31 assists in his 75 regular-season appearances.
Guevara was the leading scorer for the Metros in 2005, recording career highs in both goals and assists with 11 apiece. That even bettered his 2004 season, during which he notched 10 goals and 10 assists en route to claiming the league's MVP trophy.
"He's a playmaker. We want to give him the ball. He's the one that dictates the play and sets the tempo," said Guevara's central midfield partner Mark Lisi. "His vision I think is something that this league hasn't seen in a long time. He can play the through ball, he's good with both feet, he can shoot. I think he's an all-around player."
While the club is certainly glad to have Guevara back, his late arrival is not ideal. The MetroStars began preseason training nearly two weeks ago in the Giants Stadium practice bubble. The front office and coaching staff were expecting the 29-year-old Guevara to be with the team from the start, but that didn't happen.
However, the kickoff of the 2006 season is still about six weeks away, which should give Guevara and his teammates enough time to prepare. The club will open its season on April 2 when they visit Atlantic Cup rivals D.C. United.
"Even in the offseason he was playing with his old club team and today he looked good, he looked fit," Magee said. "He's an easy guy to play with and an easy guy to get along with. I'm sure we'll jell quickly. We still have another month so. I'm sure it won't take too long."
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League soccer or its clubs.
