Up Next, Colorado:
The MetroStars hit the road this weekend when they travel to Colorado to take on the Rapids in their first road match of the season. Former MetroStars assistant coach Fernando Clavijo took over the head coaching duties in Colorado in the offseason, and is still looking to extend the Rapids home unbeaten streak which currently stands at 12.
The "Red and Black" return home next weekend when they host the San Jose Earthquakes at 4:00 p.m. ET. That match will be the ESPN2 Soccer Saturday national broadcast.
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).
MetroStars on TV: Saturday: MetroStars vs. Colorado Rapids - MSG, 9:00 p.m. ET.
Homecoming: This weekend is a homecoming for MetroStars midfielder Mark Lisi who is from Englewood, CO. Lisi's parents and sister still reside in Denver suburbs.
Happy birthday times two: Two MetroStars will celebrate their birthday next week. Both Amado Guevara and Jeff Agoos celebrate their B-Days on May 2. Agoos will be 37 and Guevara 28.
Ecuador vs. Paraguay: The MetroStars announced last week that they will manage an international match on May 4 when the Ecuadorian and Paraguayan National Teams square off at Giants Stadium at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Tab Ramos night: In honor of last Tuesday's announcement that former MetroStars great Tab Ramos will be inducted to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, the MetroStars made Friday, April 22 "Tab Ramos Night" at Giants Stadium. The night's festivities included a special presentation made to Tab by MetroStars President and General Manager Nick Sakiewicz just before kick-off at which time a banner was unveiled that will be hung for all MetroStars home games in the West End of the stadium. In addition, Tab was featured on ESPN2's broadcast of the match, and ESPN2's Youth Soccer Spotlight featured Tab's son's U-11 team, "The Gunners."
Djorkaeff sets two season highs: In his second contest wearing the "Red and Black", midfielder Youri Djorkaeff's contribution to the offense can already be seen. In the Metros' game last weekend Djorkaeff led the team in shots on goal with three, and - less importantly - fouls suffered, with five.
A first for Woly: MetroStars forward Wolyniec's two assists in the Metros' game on April 16 vs. Kansas City marked the first time in his career that he recorded more than one dime in the same game. Also worth note is that Wolyniec's career high in assists for a season is three.
The King's double: MetroStars forward Sergio Galvan Rey notched two goals in the Metros' contest against the Kansas City Wizards on April 16. It marked the first time in his MLS career that he has tallied a double, and the first time that a MetroStar has had two in the same game since Eddie Gaven scored twice against the Galaxy on June 23, 2004.
Galvan Rey has had success against this weekend's opponent as he has recorded one goal and one assist his his two appearances against the Rapids.
Wells earns first shutout: After playing in two matches for the MetroStars last season, goalkeeper Zach Wells has started the MetroStars first three games this season. Wells earned his first career shutout in the first contest of the season, when the Metros' netminder faced 15 shots from Real Salt Lake and made three saves. The shutout marked only the second shutout in MetroStars Opening Day history (The first was Tony Meola who posted a shutout against the San Jose Clash on March 22, 1997 at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, CA).
Bradley vs. the Rapids: Since coming to the MetroStars before the 2003, head coach Bob Bradley has a record of 2-3-0 against the Rapids. Over the course of his head coaching career, Bradley has a 10-9-1 record against the Rapids, and a 1-2-3 record against Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo (dating back to when Bradley was coaching the Fire, and when Clavijo was coaching the Revolution)
Walker sidelined: MetroStars goalkeeper Jonny Walker will be sidelined for Saturday's match against the Colorado Rapids. Walker is still rehabbing from offseason rotator cuff surgery.
Ward and Bradley with the U-20'S: MetroStars midfielder Michael Bradley and defender Tim Ward were with the U.S. U-20 team earlier this week when the team faced the Seattle Sounders of the USL First Division on Monday, April 25 at 7 p.m. PT at Husky Soccer Field on the University of Washington campus.
Metrostars launch All Access: The MetroStars launched MetroStars All-Access on Thursday, March 31 on MetroStars.com. The show, which will air every Wednesday, will bring fans inside the "Red and Black" and show them a side of the club that they cannot get anywhere else.
Favorite sons: The MetroStars now have five players with strong local ties: Chris Corcoran, Jason Hernandez, Eddie Gaven, Carlos Mendes and John Wolyniec.
Corcoran attended St. John's University, Gaven is from Hamilton, NJ, Hernandez is from Englewood, NJ and attended Seton Hall University, Mendes is from Mineola, NY and Wolyniec is from Staten Island.
Metrostars-Rapids Reserves: The MetroStars and Rapids reserves will square off on Sunday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m. ET in Denver, CO.
