UP NEXT, NEW ENGLAND:
After last weekend's win at Kansas City, the Metros will take on conference leader New England Revolution at home on Saturday, September 17. The game will mark the front end of a pivotal home-and-home series for the MetroStars. The team currently trails Chicago and Kansas City by five points for the playoff spot in the East.
After the series with the Revs, the Metros will play three games in the same week against Eastern Conference clubs - two of which against rivals D.C. United. The "Red and Black" host D.C. on October 1st and then travel to RFK Stadium on October 8th.
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).
MEOLA'S MLS SHUTOUT RECORD: MetroStars Goalkeeper Tony Meola recorded his 56th career shutout at Kansas City on September 10, adding to his MLS record for most shutouts by a goalkeeper. Galaxy netminder Kevin Hartman is in second place in all-time MLS annals with 53.
GAVEN SCORES FIRST IN TEN: Eddie Gaven's game-winner at Kansas City on September 10 was his first goal in ten games. The last goal he scored was on July 9 against the L.A. Galaxy, which was the game-winning goal as well. His season total is now six.
WARD PICKS UP SECOND CAREER ASSIST: Tim Ward got his 2nd career assist at Kansas City September 10. His first assist came on May 21st in a 2-2 tie vs. New England, also on an Eddie Gaven goal. Both of Ward's assists have come on goals by Gaven.
REGAN SEEING RED: Tim Regan became the third MetroStars player this season to be red carded when he was ejected last weekend. The other two players to get red cards were Amado Guevara and Abbe Ibrahim. Ward was ejected September 10 at Kansas City after he received yellow cards in the 63rd minute and the 65th minute.
PLAYOFF PUSH: The MetroStars currently stand in 5th place in the east with just six games remaining. The "Red and Black" need to finish in the top four positions to earn a playoff berth.
Team Points
New England 51
D.C. United 44
Kansas City 42
Chicago 42
MetroStars 37
Columbus 30
UKRAINIAN DAY: The MetroStars announced that this Saturday, September 17 will be Ukrainian Day at Giants Stadium. The Ukrainian Day Festival will begin at noon and will include singing, dancing, music, and Ukrainian food culminating with the MetroStars match against the New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Current WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko and Olympic and World Champion Women's Figure Skater Oksana Baiul will be the featured guests at Ukrainian Day. Klitschko and Baiul will partake in the pregame festivities, sign autographs and kick the opening ball before the MetroStars match.
UNBEATEN AT HOME IN LAST TEN: After going winless in their first five home games of the season, the Metros have not lost at home in over three months (10 games, last loss vs. SJ on 5/7). The Metros are 5-0-5 during this stretch, beating Chicago, Columbus twice, L.A. and FC Dallas while tying D.C., New England, Chivas USA, Colorado, and Kansas City.
FIVE PLAYERS WITH SIX OR MORE GOALS: The MetroStars are the only team this season with five players that have scored six or more goals {Amado Guevara (9), Youri Djorkaeff (7), Ante Razov (7), Sergio Galvan Rey (6) and Eddie Gaven (6)}. No team did it in 2002 or 2003. The MetroStars were the only team in 2004 with five players with 5+ goals. The league record for most players with 6+ goals is 7, by Chicago in 1998.
TV SCHEDULE CHANGE: Due to hockey season, MSG will no longer carry the telecast of Metros at Chicago on October 5.
GET A KICK OUT OF READING: As a part of the MetroStars/MLS "Get A Kick Out Of Reading Program," the MetroStars are proud to announce a book drive with all books benefiting local libraries and hospitals. All fans who bring new books to Gate D at Giants Stadium prior to the Sept. 17 game against the New England Revolution will receive a bookmark and a raffle ticket for the chance to win MetroStars autographed memorabilia.
MEADOWLANDS HOSPITAL COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: Meadowlands Hospital is helping to kick off the youth soccer season by sponsoring a Community Soccer Festival at Memorial Park in Rutherford from 9-11 am on Saturday, September 17.
Metro soccer report: MSG will air the Metro Soccer Report this week on Thursday at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Weekly Practice Schedule:
The MetroStars training schedule for this week is as follows:
Day Time Location
Tues. 10:30 a.m. - Noon NJIT
Wed. 10:30 a.m. - Noon NJIT
Thurs. 10:30 a.m. - Noon NJIT
Fri. 10:30 a.m. - Noon NJIT
