The MetroStars announced today their full 2006 regular season MLS schedule, which runs from April 2 through October 14 and includes 32 games. All times are included on this schedule except for three dates, which are being held for television purposes.
The MetroStars will begin their season with a trip to R.F.K Stadium on April 2 to take on their arch-rivals and four-time MLS Cup Champions, D.C. United. The game will be played at 5:00 p.m. ET, and will kick off the 2006 Atlantic Cup - an award given to the winner of the regular-season series between the two clubs. The last time the Metros traveled to D.C. was on October 8, 2005 when they defeated United 2-1. D.C. United will make their first trip north on Route 95 when they travel to Giants Stadium on April 22.
The Metros will return to New Jersey the following weekend to play their home opener on Saturday, April 8, against the New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. ET. New England will be led into action by Taylor Twellman, who was named the league's Most Valuable Player last season. The contest will be a rematch of the 2006 MLS Eastern Conference Semifinals which saw the MetroStars fall to the Revolution 3-2 on aggregate, after winning the first leg 1-0 at Giants Stadium.
One of the most exciting dates on the Metros schedule is June 25, when the "Red and Black" square off against the Chicago Fire during the grand opening of the Fire's new home, Bridgeview Stadium. This marks the second consecutive year that the MetroStars will be the visiting team in the opening of a new stadium, as in 2005 the MetroStars played FC Dallas to a 2-2 draw when Pizza Hut Park, in Frisco, TX was unveiled.
Another 'first' on the MetroStars' schedule is the squad's first trip to MLS' newest city, Houston. The team will take on Houston 1836 on August 5 at Robertson Stadium.
The MetroStars will face-off against the defending MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup Champions, the Los Angeles Galaxy at home on June 17. They will later celebrate Independence Day on the West Coast when they play the Galaxy on July 4 in Los Angeles at The Home Depot Center.
It was also announced today that ESPN2 will air two MetroStars games nationally this season. Fans across the country will be able to watch ESPN2 on April 22 as the Metros take on D.C. United at home, and again on July 1 as the team travels to New England. The remainder of the MetroStars broadcast schedule will be announced in the near future.
Finally, it should be noted that the MetroStars have three bye weekends on the schedule - the first and last weekends in May, and the second weekend in August.
