E. RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The MetroStars are close to bringing Tony Meola back to New Jersey and trading goalkeeper Jonny Walker to the Columbus Crew, according to league sources.
While Metros coach Bob Bradley wouldn't comment on the likely trade, the wheels are already in motion for the deal. Walker sat out Friday morning's training session and Mike Ueltschey will serve as the backup for Zach Wells when the Metros take on the New England Revolution on Saturday at Gillette Stadium.
"There are ongoing discussions," Bradley said of Walker. "With that in mind, Mike Ueltschey will be the backup this week."
Also, in a move that frees up some money within the Metros complicated salary cap, the club announced Friday that they waived defensive midfielder Gilberto Flores and defender Mamadou Diallo.
Flores played a total of 39 minutes in three games while Diallo didn't see the field in his 11-day career with the club. Both players were listed as youth internationals.
Walker joined the Metros midway through the 2003 season, after Tim Howard was signed by Manchester United. He had a league-low 0.95 goals against average in 14 games and had a fairly good 2004, playing the full 90 minutes in 28 games and finishing with a 1.61 GAA.
Walker required offseason rotator cuff surgery and was still recovering at the start of the season, giving Wells the chance to shine. Walker then strained a calf muscle in a reserve league game and Wells stayed in the starting 11. He's started all 13 Metros games this year and has a 1.00 GAA.
Columbus is in desperate need of a goalkeeper with starter Jon Busch lost for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and backup Matt Jordan out with a lower back strain.
"It's no secret that we are in the market for a goalkeeper," said Columbus Crew director of public relations Jeff Wuerth. "We have been in discussions with several teams, including the MetroStars, in regards to goalkeepers and we will continue to pursue every avenue we can to improve our team."
Rookie Bill Gaudette, who began the year as the third-string 'keeper, has started the last four games and has a GAA of 2.00. However the Crew have given up three goals in three of their last four games.
By bringing in Meola, the MetroStars will have three players (Jeff Agoos and Ante Razov being the other two) who have have 10 years of MLS experience. He starred for the MetroStars from 1996-98 before being traded to Kansas City. Meola, who has played in a pair of World Cups, helped lead the Wizards to the 2000 MLS Cup title, where he beat Bradley's Chicago Fire.
"The guy obviously has been to three World Cups and has a ton of experience," Wells said of Meola. "Hopefully I can tap into some of that knowledge and hopefully it can help me as a player."
Dylan Butler is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
