getting game fit, figuring out each others personalities, but most importantly getting to see the things we need to work on."
The 6-foot-4 defender, whose Redwood-esque height allows him to tower over the backline, made his MLS debut in 2003 with the Kansas City Wizards. He made 19 appearances for the Wizards in his two seasons before leaving to play with the Seattle Sounders of the United States Soccer League's First Division.
While in Seattle, he helped lead his team to the 2005 USL Championship and was later named the league's Defensive Player of the Year. He was the anchor on a defense that finished third in the league in goals allowed (25).
"Being able to get that individual accolade is definitely a huge accomplishment," said Graham. "I was more pleased to win the championship, but being able to get both of them was almost an ideal season."
After one season in the USL, Taylor decided to return to the MLS.
"Seattle was great but my ultimate goal was to get back to the MLS," said Graham. "If I could pick one team that I'd want to be back with in the MLS it would be New York."
Graham comes to the East Coast to join the MetroStars, after growing up and spending most of his life on the West Coast. New York will be a big change for Taylor, but he said he thinks the Big Apple will be a good fit for him.
"New York is a bit intimidating," said Graham. "It's a completely new opportunity for me, a fresh start and I can't think of a better place to do it than in the New York area, with the MetroStars."
Head coach Mo Johnston said that he liked what he has seen from Graham.
"Taylor has had a very impressive camp," said Johnston. "He came in very fit and his height obviously gives him a big advantage on the backline."
Although Graham is confident about the season, he's not looking too far into the future, and said, "There's a lot of soccer to be played in the next 10-11 months and hopefully we'll be there playing that last weekend in November -- that's the ultimate goal here."
TRAINING NOTES:
• Wednesday afternoon, second-round draft pick Jozy Altidore joined the Metros for their afternoon training session. The 16-year-old was not intimidated.
"He fit right in," said Johnston. "He is a very talented kid who has the potential to be a great player in this league."
• Also during Wednesday afternoon's session, Mike Magee uncorked a scorcher from 20 yards out that found it's way into the upper 90; the camp's most impressive goal to date.
• Here are some of the MetroStars reactions to their 2006 schedule:
HEAD COACH MO JOHNSTON
On the overall schedule:
"The schedule is like anything else, you have to take it for what it's worth. Every single game is important."
On the home opener April 8 against New England:
"I am looking forward to our home opener against New England on April 8. It is always exciting to get the fans out to Giants Stadium and our goal is provide our supporters with a quality product on the field."
MIDFIELDER MARK LISI
On the season opener April 2 at D.C. United:
"It is great to start off the season in a big rivalry game at RFK (Stadium) where we happened to win our last game there to keep our playoffs hope alive last year. It isn't an easy place to play, but it certainly should be an exciting atmosphere to play in."
On the home opener:
"Obviously New England knocked us out of the playoffs last year in a game filled with emotions. A lot of us felt that we should have advanced to the Conference Championship last year and this being our first home game in 2006 will be an exciting and emotional game for us."
On playing the inaugural game at Bridgeview Stadium in Chicago on June 25:
"As someone who has been in the league for a while, it is always great to see another soccer-specific stadium opened. We were fortunate enough to play the first game in Pizza Hut Park last year in a great atmosphere and I'm sure the fans in Chicago will be just as excited."
GOALKEEPER TONY MEOLA
On the season opener: "D.C. is a difficult place to start out. Last year, we were able to go down there and win a game that we desperately needed to win. It will be an important game for the club and a number of individuals on this team."
On the home opener:
"We owe a little payback to New England after knocking us out last year. New England is a team that we will have to surpass this year if we are to be successful. We need to do a good job of giving our fans something to cheer about right out of the gate at home."
