The MetroStars battled back from a two-goal deficit on Saturday night at the Meadowlands, earning a 2-2 draw against their newest Eastern Conference rivals, the Kansas City Wizards, thanks to a pair of goals from Sergio Galvan Rey.
The draw was the second in two games for the MetroStars, who return to action Friday night against the Chicago Fire.
"I'm pleased that we came back. We showed good mentality on that end," MetroStars head coach Bob Bradley said. "It was certainly frustrating to find ourselves down two goals. But I feel good about the push at the end."
The push at the end came mainly in the form of Galvan Rey, who equaled his goal output from the 2004 season in a single game.
"It was nice to see Sergio get two goals. It's very important for him in terms of confidence. Obviously he took the game last week hard because he felt like he had a really good chance, and to bounce back with two goals is a real credit to him," Bradley said.
Galvan Rey showed flashes of brilliance on the night, and worked very well with strike partner John Wolyniec and Youri Djorkaeff, who made his MLS debut in the match.
"There was a period when, even if [Galvan Rey] found space, he had lost confidence in terms of finding the goal. I know how much pressure he put on himself so it's nice to see him take some chances. He and John Wolyniec combined well," Bradley said.
Galvan Rey didn't deny that he had lost some confidence, and seemed slightly relieved that he had such a big hand in the victory.
"I feel very happy, but I hope that this is the start of more to come," Galvan Rey said. "Of course when you don't score and things don't go your way you lose some confidence. I think you have to accept both the good news and the bad news. And the only way to come out is to work hard and with more ambition and things will go your way."
Despite the fact that the MetroStars managed only a point at home, most in the locker room considered the night a success.
"I'm not very happy with the first goal they scored, but we are working very hard and I'm sure we will win the next game," said Djorkaeff. "I am disappointed with the first half, and happy with the second half. Sometimes there is a good draw. This was a good draw."
Wolyniec, who registered the first two-assist game of his career on the night, was pleased with the team's effort and fighting spirit.
"After digging a hole, we fought back, and that shows character," said Wolyniec. "If you look long term, it's something you need in this league. You need to battle each and every game, and if we are going to fight like that every game it shows that we are going to be successful."
Rich Schneider is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
