This is the title we had HOPED to embellish upon, but unfortunately, despite not conceding any more goals, the MetroStars could not rally from a first-half 1-0 deficit against the Chicago Fire on Friday. Now we must prepare for our inaugural MetroNation Viewing Party. Like MetroGate, we hope to offer something a little different. Access our Citizen Calendar frequently for details!

On Friday, threatening skies and the “perceived” closure of Lot 15, combined with weekend turmoil on the Turnpike and Parkway is hardly the perfect scenario for pre-match festivities. Our inaugural TGIF MetroGate was almost relocated to Lot 14A due to an apparent “lock-out” of Lot 15. However, we persevered and “wormed” our way around Giant’s Stadium and set up camp right next to the MetroStars’ SoccerFest in Lot 15!! After enduring Opening Day at Giant’s Stadium, we would not be denied, and our inaugural TGIF MetroGate was a success!

Despite the scaling down due to the weekday match date, we introduced some hot lasagna (Thanks, Tim!) and baked beans (Yeah, Keli!), in addition to our staple offerings of hamburgers, hotdogs, side dishes, etc. Your Clueless Leader forgot to bring the MetroCam, but thanks to Citizen Keli, we have yet another photo album for your viewing pleasure. We also missed Donny Sanders and his mistress, “Ms Metro,” who so fashionably displayed our MetroNation gear at the previous MetroGate (see the photo album). However, the word must be getting out, because scarves were popular, again, and there seems to be interest in MetroNation cowbells, too!

“Mr MetroGate,” Amir “Ali Hadji Sheik,” came one step closer to his vision for the perfect set up for MetroGate. Let me tell you, folks. When it comes to tailgating, this guy knows the deal!! Even with the Metros traveling to Colorado next week, there is no rest for the weary. We are planning our first Viewing Party, and we will be reflecting on past experiences this season to make the next home gathering even better! We must, because we have a MAJOR shindig planned for May 31st when England, Colombia, and the Fire come to town! Don’t forget our $13 ticket promotion for May 21st, either, which can conveniently be purchased online in our MetroNation Mall.

Of course, I would be remiss in not extending a heartfelt congratulations to the MetroStars’ own Tab Ramos, who was honored before kickoff for his election to the Soccer Hall of Fame. MetroNation promptly began a “Tab Ramos” chant, which was heard all around the stadium and acknowledged by Tab, himself. Although, I am still puzzled as to why Johnny Metro joined me at the Post-Match Party at Prime Suites (MetroNation was well represented!) why he was not able to get Tab’s signature immediately following the match . . . on his head?? We love ya’, Tab!! May your legacy live on!!

In our ongoing efforts to foster collaborative intiatives with ESC, we employed the use of 2-way radios between Corey and myself. Unfortunately, I think both of our sections were quite active throughout most of the match, and we either did not hear each other or could not communicate easily after our “test, hello” before kickoff. We are not daunted, and we hope to try this again. Oh, and we also joined with First Row Idiots on the “Dunkin’—-Donuts” signature chant for Fire netminder, Zach Thornton. Unfortunately, he did post a shutout.

Before closing, I want to extend a special thanks to Los, Chris, and the rest of the Manhattanites for bringing “El Aguardiente” (Diana really appreciated it!) and helping us to energize the atmosphere both at MetroGate and in Citizens’ Corner. You guys rock!!! I know you have some awesome photos . . . send them along!! Hope to see you next weekend!!

YIRB

PS

Incidentally, I am puzzled as why people are not taking advantage of our Red and Black seats offering at midfield (with parking and Red and Black Lounge access included; player bench side) on e-Bay???

Last weekend was 99% perfect, as the MetroStars remain undefeated with a 2-2 draw. Mother Nature cooperated this time around with “MetroGate II – The Sequel,” being an unexpected success. With the Soccer Coliseum tournament going on, we were not able to get optimum parking lot position, but we did get LOTS of exposure and welcomed new faces to the MetroNation family! Our MetroNation model, “Ms Metro” exquisitely displayed our exclusive MetroNation gear for all, and MetroNation scarves were especially popular as the temperature dropped progressively throughout the afternoon and evening. Check out our updated Sights and Sounds . . . Still working on the “Sounds” part, as we unveiled the MetroCam at MetroGate this past weekend.

Remember, you can still take advantage of our 5-match (+ bonus first home playoff match, if applicable) $96 Ambassador Passport (including England vs. Colombia). You can learn more about this unique offering, as well as our “standard” Passport offerings here. Also, do not forget our $13 ticket for May 21 vs. New England Revolution, which can be purchased conveniently online in our MetroNation Mall.

Enough of the shameless plugs . . . We thoroughly enjoyed the great weather, the spirited performance by the “Boys of Summer” (and hopefully, of the Fall, too!). While #9, Sergio Galvan Rey, has endured many criticisms from Metro fans and the MLS community abroad, the “King of Goals” made it clear last night that he did not earn that moniker for nothing!! Due to the much improved weather, MetroNation proudly unveiled its unique method of paying tribute to Metros goal-scorers!! We will continue to work on unique ways to display our pride and passion for the Metros throughout the season, including more coordinated in-match activities with ESC.

Do not forget to drop by MetroGate this Friday for a quick bite after work and before kickoff vs. the Fire! We will be there, and we hope you will, too! While the unsung hero tribute goes to #15, John Wolyniec, “9-9″ was “the number” for the day! Perhaps Sergio’s new moniker should be “The Comeback Kid?”

YIRB

Given the weather conditions on Opening Kick Day (April 2), I expected him to drop by MetroGate. However, even Noah knew that his mighty ark may not withstand the extremely harsh conditions. Well, this did not “sink in” with MetroNation . . . METROGATE WAS A GO!!! If this is not sufficient testimony that our organization means business when it comes to MetroStars soccer, then you need to get your head examined! Although, as I relive the moments of this day in my mind (with help of the photographs) maybe it is WE, who need the examination!!?!? Regardless, here is our story . . .

Mother Nature certainly did not cooperate before, during, or after the match. At one point, you could actually “lean” on the wind. After a session of psychotherapy for Amir, who had put his heart and soul into preparing for our inaugural MetroGate, we needed to restrain Johnny Metro (who also gave all), who had essentially ripped the grill out from his truck, and also succeeded in ripping it to shreds out of frustration over other matters which he fondly characterized as a “C.F.!” Amir was further consoled by the first ever “gust-assisted” field goal (I know, wrong “football”) with red and black balloons from about 70 yards out . . . you had to see it to believe it!

Keli came to the rescue with her small portable barbecue grill, and a HUGE bag of briquettes (Thank, God!). Hence, the pivotal event of the day . . . BOTH grills were fired up “the old fashioned way,” with LOTS of lighter fluid! Coincidentally, our commitment to seeing our inaugural MetroGate through was rekindled. Johnny Metro quickly established himself as the “Grill Guru,” quickly preparing hamburgers and hotdogs for our hungry guests . . . and we had PLENTY of hungry guests!!! Thank you all for making our inaugural MetroGate a memorable one!!

Only shortly before did we come up with the insane idea of trying to hoist our banner in the gusting winds. Sometimes reckless passion clouds reason . . . Anyway, after almost hang-gliding out of Lot 15, we did the unthinkable . . . we zip-tied our NEW glorious MetroNation (dot net) banner to the Giant’s Stadium outer fence for all to see, risking public persecution and arrest!!! Of course, we will probably never be able to do that, again, but it was fun for this first time, even if it might be our only time doing so. However, we are confident that the weather during subsequent MetroGates will not be as harsh, and we will be able to display our banner as it was intended . . . over our MetroGate area!

We proceeded to “Citizen’s Corner” (Section 115) to establish our presence inside the stadium, and immediately, Mother Nature challenged us, AGAIN, by blowing the bottom portion of the banner up to smack the “front-row faithful” in the face. Thanks to zip ties and some help from some MFO staff (do not know who they were), we secured the bottom, too, allowing us to unfurl our glorious banner for the first time in Giant’s Stadium for all to see! In fact, I think we might have been the only banner in the stadium that was not blowing off the railing wall . . . MLS Wrap actually caught it in its highlight reel, and you can see it (look closely at the top of the video frame) in the MSG video highlights!!

Backed up by our MetroNation “supporters” (uh, that is, WAAAAYYYY back under the canopy), we brandished the Metro-red cowbells (thanks, Donny, didn’t know there were so many cows in Toms River), Rabble Rags, and a GENUINE Canadian “A-Goose” call. Let’s not forget the MetroGirls who joined the celebration!!! Along with my date for the match, these lovelies helped take a little chill out of the bones . . . Amidst the pandemonium before and during the match, I could not help but wonder how ESC was doing. Regardless, they imposing in Section 101. Way to go, boys!!! Despite the power failure at about the 40th minute (at which point we began chanting . . “HAR-RI-SON! . . . HAR-RI-SON! . . .”), we mustered up crowd support, but could not seem to help the Metros muster 3 points from Real Salt Lake after a full 90. We had our chances, but you would not believe what the ball did at some points during the match . . . as if it had a mind of its own. SHEESH!

In retrospect, perhaps the harsh weather conditions were symbolic for the passing of a prominent spiritual role model, Pope John Paul II, on this same day. Personally, I cannot help but contemplate the effect he and his passing had on so many people around the world, as we know it. Regardless of your spiritual persuasion, if any, there is something bigger than soccer in this world . . . maybe the only thing to some of us . . . GO METROS!!!

YIRB

PS

After this day, if you prefer indoor sports, check these out (they expire soon):

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