SECAUCUS, NJ - The MetroStars announced today their full 2005 MLS schedule, which runs from April 2 until Oct. 16. The full broadcast schedule including game times will be released at a later date.
The Metros will play their home opener against MLS expansion club, Real Salt Lake (RSL) in Giants Stadium at 7:00 p.m. ET. RSL will be lead into action by former MetroStars Eddie Pope and Clint Mathis as they take the field for the first match in franchise history. The MetroStars will then visit Utah for the lone time of the season on July 4.
Another interesting date to be noted on the schedule is the Metros' August 6 match-up at FC Dallas. This match will mark the opening of the new FC Dallas soccer stadium at the Frisco Soccer & Entertainment Center in Frisco, Texas, where record rainfall has delayed the inauguration of the world's largest pro and youth soccer complex until August 6. FC Dallas will play all home matches prior to August 6 at the Cotton Bowl. The new FSEC facility will host MLS Cup on November 13 when the League's 10th champion is crowned.
The MetroStars will square off against the second MLS expansion team, Club Deportivo Chivas USA, for the first time of the year on Sunday, August 21 at Giants Stadium. The back end of that home-and-home series will be the two team's season finale and will be played at The Home Depot Center on October 16. Chivas USA will be sharing The Home Depot Center soccer stadium with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2005.
Perhaps the most anticipated match-up of the season will come on Sunday, June 12, when reigning MLS champion and bitter "Red and Black" rival, D.C. United comes to Giants Stadium. D.C. United will make their second appearance of the season at Giants Stadium on Saturday, October 1.
Tickets are available for all MetroStars home games by calling 1-888-4METROTIX or 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).
