The MetroStars will have this weekend off from MLS action as they have a bye on their schedule. They will return to action when they host the Kansas City Wizards at Giants Stadium on Saturday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET (TV: MSG, Spanish Radio: WADO 1280 AM). Kansas City, though not an expansion team, are new to the Eastern Conference making this match one of the most important of the early season.
The MetroStars continue their homestand the following weekend when they host the Chicago Fire at Giants Stadium at 8:00 p.m. ET (TV: ESPN2, Spanish Radio: WADO 1280 AM). Over the past two years the rivalry between these two clubs has heated up, and this match will not be one that fans want to miss.
Tickets are available for all MetroStars home games by calling 1-888-4METROTIX, 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: Thursday: Metro Soccer Report - MSG, 10:30 p.m. ET
Guevara Given Captain's Armband: When the MetroStars took the field on Saturday night, Amado Guevara wore the captain's armband. For the past two years Eddie Pope had served as the Metros captain, and until the game the new MetroStars captain had not been named.
Guevara, who serves as the Honduran National team captain, had a stellar 2004 season with the MetroStars. For his play he was honored with many awards including the 2004 MLS MVP, the 2004 MetroStars MVP, the 2004 MLS All-Star Game MVP, a member of the 2004 MLS Best XI, the 2004 MLS Scoring Champion (tied with New England's Pat Noonan) and Fox Sports Espanol's MLS Player of the Year. Guevara scored a team high (tied with John Wolyniec) 10 goals and registered a team high 10 assists.
WELLS EARNS FIRST SHUTOUT: After playing in two matches for the MetroStars last season, goalkeeper Zach Wells started the season opener last Saturday and earned his first career shutout. The Metros' netminder faced 15 shots from Real Salt Lake and made three saves.
Metrostars to host career in sports night: The MetroStars will be hosting a "Career in Sports Night" prior to their game on April 22, which will give people some insider's tips on how to break into the sports industry. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. and will last until game time (8:00 p.m.). Included in the night is a panel of various sports professionals from various backgrounds (team management, league management, media, etc.). The cost for the night is $26 and that includes entrance into the "Career in Sports Night" and to the game.
AGOOS, BRADLEY, MENDES ALL GET NOD: In last Saturday's 2005 MetroStars season opener Jeff Agoos, Michael Bradley and Carlos Mendes made their debut with the "Red and Black."
Agoos, who has won five MLS Cups and is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in league history, was acquired by the "Red and Black" in December of 2004 from San Jose in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2005 SuperDraft.
Bradley, only 17 years old, is in his second year with the MetroStars, but did not see any time in 2004 due to an ankle injury.
Mendes was signed by the MetroStars on March 21 after spending the entire preseason with the Metros. He is a Mineola, NY native and has spent the last two years playing for the Rochester Raging Rhinos of the A-League.
METROS TICKETS REUSABLE: Due to the severe weather that impacted the 2005 season opener on Saturday, the MetroStars are offering fans the opportunity to exchange their tickets to an upcoming game. All ticket holders can exchange their Saturday, April 2 tickets to one of the following games:
Saturday, April 16 Kansas City Wizards - 7:30 PM
Friday, April 22 Chicago Fire - 8:00 PM
To exchange tickets, fans must mail their April 2 tickets to the MetroStars office at 1 Harmon Plaza, 3rd Floor, Secaucus, NJ 07094. Along with the tickets, be sure to include your name, address, phone number and choice of game. Exchanges may also be done in person at the MetroStars office. All requests for exchanges must be in by 5:00 PM Thursday, April 14.
Those interested in purchasing additional seats should call the MetroStars office to coordinate seating arrangements before mailing in their exchange request.
For more information, call 1.888.4METROTIX.
