I have just reclaimed my home after having my family down for the holiday weekend, which explains why I did not post anything after Wednesday night’s disappointing result against the Wizards on the road. I guess good things are not meant to last forever. Let’s hope that this is a sign that maybe, just maybe, the Metros will start winning at home this season. Having been a bit preoccupied over the past week with refining my swordsmanship with my nephew as we storm the castle to rescue the Princess, and capturing those special moments when your niece is “loving the camera” when she dresses up in a variety of K-B Toys fashions, I will not dwell on this past Wednesday night. However, I must say the MetroStars hosted a very nice viewing party at Trinity in Hoboken, NJ, a few scenes of which were captured.

There is no rest for the weary this Memorial Day weekend for MetroNation! Moving right along to the spectacular (again) performance against the Columbus Crew . . . of course . . . on the road! Either way, 3 points are 3 points. We need them and KUDOS to our Boys of Summer for stealing them from the Crew. Hopefully, the official beginning of summer is a pivotal point in the season for the MetroStars to begin recovering from lost points earlier this season. If you were not indulging in your favorite oceanside activity this past Memorial Day weekend, maybe you witnessed Youri’s cracker of a goal (his first in MLS), which paved the way for Gaven and Ibrahim to put the final two nails in the coffin for the Columbus Crew! Oh, and let us not forget Zach Wells’ superhuman PK save on Kyle Martino, which preserved a well-deserved third shutout so far this season!!

After watching an entertaining match between the USMNT and England, we watched the Metros’ spectacular performance in the midst of some wonderful people at Tab Ramos Sports Center, a beautiful indoor facility in Aberdeen, NJ. The hospitality extended by Bob, Lisa, Joanne, and the rest of the TRSC crew was unsurpassed so far this season. For those that missed this event, you missed your opportunity to hang out with 2005 Soccer Hall-of-Famer, Tab Ramos, and some of his Over-35-league teammates. He signed his name to several jerseys, and even finally gave in to signing Johnny Metro’s sunburned/peeling head. YUCK! In between match-time action, we engaged Tab in his thoughts about the Beautiful Game, the roots of MLS and where it is headed, and yes, a DARING “friendly” challenge on the indoor pitch!

Most of us in MetroNation . . . make that ALL of us . . . are beyond our prime competitive soccer playing days (if they ever existed). So, to boost our ego, your Clueless Leader (as voted by 62% of 24 respondents as of the writing of this news blurb), Johnny Metro, and Angry Metro (all ages 30+) challenged the 11- and 14-year-old sons (Thomas and Christopher) of Keli Sorrentino (a Charter Citizen) and their similarly aged friend (Chuck) to “first-to-five.” Apparently, our first slim victory (5-4) and age-inappropriate gloating did not daunt our opponents, as they challenged us to a rematch, which we won (5-3), for a cumulative 10-7 aggregate margin. However, Mr. Ramos established parity, easily assisting (literally and figuratively) the soccer neophytes to a handy 5-2 victory, for an aggregate of 12-12. The result that matters is that WE ALL HAD FUN! That is what it was about on this special MetroNation viewing party. In fact, we want to do it, again, but have ALL the MetroStars supporters clubs down for an “age-appropriate” friendly challenge. Maybe we call it the “Red and Black Cup?”

In closing, the time I spent with my “genetic” family this past week is a metaphor for my “athletic” family, which includes all the wonderful “nationals” of MetroNation and of course, our beloved MetroStars. Yes, this IS a family, and when some family members are having a rough time, the others come to their assistance. So, whether you are a MetroNation “national” or not, I challenge you to be a constructive and contributing member of the Red and Black family! If you do not think you can do anything, we at MetroNation beg to differ. We, especially our “nationals,” need to help the MetroStars ascend from their home-field slump TOGETHER, though thick or thin . . . Please review our Statements of Purpose and Being a Citizen, if you have any second thoughts. Remember, the season is still young, and it is never too late to GET IN THE GAME! (Tab, we thought of this first! )

Last but certainly not least, let us, again, remember those who have sacrificed in service to our great country . . . God Bless, America!

YIRB,
MetroNation

Before you freak out about this title, many of you may not have realized that it was Armed Forces Day on May 21, 2005. Amidst the hype of the pending Metros v Revs battle on this same day, we did not want to overlook the reason why we enjoy many of the freedoms we currently do today, including playing soccer! Indeed, the New England Revolution’s identity incorporates this color scheme. However, it was all about love of red and black on this day as more than 12,000 MetroStars fans (and a clam-baking Midnight Riders contingent), converged in Giant’s Stadium for a truly entertaining match . . . at least, in many respects, the best one at home thus far!!

Our MetroGate was perhaps one of the most successful to date. The match was being televised on ESPN, and as part of a league-wide fan-club/ESPN promotion, we combined with ESC to bring more than 115 (hmmm . . . ring a bell with anyone?) people into Giant’s Stadium, more than 60 of whom were at our MetroGate tailgate! Great work red and black faithful! Now, we would be remiss if we did not also mention that MetroNation sold the most between the two groups, and has earned “bragging rights” for the friendly ticket-promotion challenge, the gauntlet for which was thrown down by the MetroStars Front Office. Regardless, we hope that all who took advantage of this offer enjoyed themselves as much as we did! MetroNation has more planned throughout the season, so either sign up for our “E-Updates,” or check this site frequently.

After a full 90 of crisp, counter-attacking soccer, neither team could boast victory. However, despite being a man down from the 66th minute on due to a really WEAK send-off of Ibrahim, Gaven and Wolyniec combined to steal at least a point from the fixture. Gaven brought us level after an early Revs lead in the first half. After Wolyniec replaced Youri (who really catalyzed the offense for the majority of the match) in the 80th minute, he made his presence known “Woly-style” with a sliding hustle effort to beat Heaps and Reis just 3 minutes later. Just when you thought all the stars and planets were aligned for the Metros, Taylor “Ham” Twellman spoiled what could have been one of the best Metros efforts we will see against the current MLS “top dogs.” In the end, the Metros deservedly held their heads high, put forth a convincing effort, which signified that the Metros are just getting warmed up . . . and not a moment too soon!! As for the Revs, well, who cares about them and their oblivious Midnight Riders, anyway!! They will be back, and so will we!!! Wait until we come to YOUR house!!!!!!!!!

Please check back soon as we have an awesome Viewing Party planned on May 28 at Tab Ramos’ place in Aberdeen. Make the trip! It will be worth it as Tab will join us to watch the USA v England and Metros v Crew! If that is not enough, we have a VERY SPECIAL MetroGate with englandfans on May 31, which will be featured on an upcoming edition of MSG Networks, “Metros Soccer Report!” HOLLYWOOD, HERE WE COME! Check out the MetroNation Mall for details, and it is NEVER too late to get your tickets to this spectacular double-header!

WHAT A MONTH FOR SOCCER!!!

YIRB
MetroNation

So, both the road trips for the Metros thus far have resulted in victorious 3-goal efforts. Hmmmmmm . . . if they could only do that at home. Rather than spend the bulk of this news article on the reasons why, or why not, we would prefer to celebrate their victory in Chicago, which by the way appears to have COMPLETELY shaken the monkey off Coach Bradley’s back . . . YES, we CAN beat the Fire more than just once! WAY TO GO, BOYS! I could have named this article “G-Force,” as Guevara, Gaven . . . and Gaven (again), tallied three GOALS between them, with Zach Wells looking more and more confident between the posts, earning his second shutout of this young season!

Again, for those who are or were freaking about the Metros start this season (admittedly, some of us were), just remember the Revolution of LAST season . . . bottom of the Eastern proverbial barrel, and was narrowly ousted by DC United in the CONFERENCE FINALS on PENALTIES, for Pete’s sake! So, let us just keep it all in perspective, OK? We have more to say about the Revs, later on, but first I want to say that while we have only had two viewing parties to date, last night’s at McMahon’s in Hoboken was an absolute hoot!! We managed to capture many unsuspecting attendees (poor Audrey and Anthony) in our “Sights and Sounds” section. Check it out! Francis, Chris, and Jeff really made us feel at home, and it was a great environment in which to celebrate the Metros performance! Save us a spot for future viewing parties, fellas!

Speaking of future viewing parties, we have a kick-butt (no pun) event in the works for May 28 at the Tab Ramos Sports Center. We will host a viewing party for BOTH the USMNT/England match in Chicago (3:00 PM kickoff) AND the MetroStars/Crew clash in Columbus (7:30 PM kickoff). Check our Citizen Calendar for more details as they are finalized. However, I do not want to get ahead of ourselves, because the Revs are visiting Giant’s Stadium on May 21, and you can be there for just $13, but you only have through May 18 to purchase your tickets online! The next cheapest ticket would have to be . . . well . . . FREE! If you can do that, than cheers to you, but for those who cannot, please do not delay!

Lastly, it is still NOT too late to join MetroNation by purchasing your 5-game pack, including the upcoming England/Colombia match on May 31, for just $96!! Also, do not forget our special MetroNation/englandfans tailgate, which is OPEN TO ALL. If you do not purchase your tickets online in advance, you will be charged an additional $5 on site. Learn all about it here, and the major fundraising we will be doing in conjunction with this event for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

The month of May is looking good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YIRB,
MetroNation

I was disappointed to see that nobody took a stab at guessing what “A.M.” (formerly known as “Amir “Ali Hadji Sheik Prince Doctor Veggie Boy” Davoud) stands for, even with two free tickets at stake. However, we can perhaps empathize, as it cannot match the disappointment we felt after still being winless at home. To add salt to the wound, there were less than 9,000 fans there. Who schedules a match on Mother’s Day, in the middle of the afternoon, for Pete’s sake??! Most moms were probably with their families and children, perhaps at THEIR soccer matches. Hopefully, they saw better results. SHEESH!

There IS a silver lining . . . we had a good turnout for our MetroGate, because of great weather. It actually got a little toasty inside the stadium, as evidenced by the sunburns on our faces. We can blame the meteorologist for that one. Does anyone know HOW they keep their jobs when they are constantly wrong? I want that kind of job! Before the birth of MetroNation, most of us had enjoyed seats in the relatively shady (even chillier) sections of the stadium. Now, there may be a market for Citizen Sunblock–I would just need to paint black stripes on my face after last weekend! Anyone for renaming Section 115 to “Citizen’s Skillet,” especially in late July/early August? Personally, I would rather burn than freeze . . . Anyway, we did our utmost to rally the Red and Black, but to no avail. However, it is still relatively early in the season . . . remember the Revs LAST year??? Now, we look ahead to our viewing party next Saturday. More details will follow, so check your e-mail or our Calendar on this site frequently. You do not want to be left out . . . do you!?

As we head into May, there are several big MetroNation events that are taking place this month. First, time is running out on the $13 ticket offer for the May 21 clash between the Metros and the Revs. Honestly, folks! When can you buy a $13 ticket to any sporting event, except curling? Seriously! Help us fill our section and duel with the Midnight Riders!! These $13 tickets may be purchased online in our MetroNation Mall through May 18. Second, we have a HUUUUUUUUGE shindig with visitors from England on May 31. If you want to be a part of it, you should buy your tickets online in our MetroNation Mall, of which a portion will be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Paying on-site will cost you an additional $5. It is NOT too late to take advantage of the $96 Ambassador Passport promotion. This is the best ticket value MetroNation offers! So, do not procrastinate! Lastly, we have special viewing party planned on May 28. More details to come.

In closing, MetroCam was in action, again, this past weekend. I hope you enjoy the most recent “Sights and Sounds.” We tried to give visitors a better feel for what it was like pitch-side in Citizen’s Corner. A new “Spotlight” edition is in the works, too! Despite the ulcerogenic (this means something that causes an ulcer) result, a great time was had by all, especially at the Post-Match Party, where MetroNation was once again well represented and appreciated by the MetroStars!

YIRB
MetroNation

For those of you who have kept up with our site from the beginning, you are probably familiar with our “Johnny Metro.” Sometimes it is hard to take JM seriously. In fact, we NEVER take him seriously, except when he is grilling our grub at MetroGate. So, after the disappointing result against Chicago, he said he challenged Amado Guevara personally to book a hat-trick against Colorado, after Amado confidently promised two. The nerve of JM, to second-guess “El Lobo,” right? The rest of us in MetroNation were like, “Oh, reeeeeally, JM!” Well, I am ECSTATIC to announce that we ALL swallowed our words!

Redd’s Restaurant in Carlstadt, just around the labyrinth of twists and turns nearby Giant’s Stadium, and MetroNation are perfect together “on the road” as the Metros put the chill on the cRapids, registering their first 3-point result of this season amid snow flurries at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Colorado. Redd’s Restaurant was extremely accommodating with drink and meal specials, and allowing us to crank the volume on the TV screens (we had an area dedicated to our party). We were even able to hang our MetroNation banner and honor each Metro tally with our signature ceremonial and personalized soccer-ball “posting.” Amado Guevara made these postings repetitive, as he registered his first hat-trick of his MLS career! By all counts, his third tally of the contest should EASILY win Goal of the Week, and perhaps, even be featured as the best strike of the season! What a night for a viewing party!!

What a gentleman, Amado “El Lobo” Guevara, is!! He backs up his word, and then, throws in a BONUS goal in there! Your Clueless Leader must confess that I may have jinxed the potential for a shutout, for which I paid dearly . . . However, I have been redeemed (at least, according to . . . well . . . me) because we have leapfrogged KC and, . . . ahem . . . DC UNITED!! (WITH a game in hand, mind you) . . . in the MLS East Conference standings. Although it is early in the season, we cannot help but gloat.

We hope you enjoy the relatively new “Sights and Sounds” portion of MetroNation.net, which is intended to give our visitors an inside peek at the activities and personalities of the MetroStars’ newest fan club. I think we have finally worked out the kinks in uploading short video clips, at least one of which will be featured in each album. We will also be looking to add some additional video content, including the recently broadcast Metros Soccer Report, featuring MetroNation!! We will see if Shep and Ethan ‘fess up and stop by the next MetroGate (if you do, we will gladly “hook you up!”). We also hope to elaborate on the persona of “Johnny Metro.” Bottom line is, check back frequently!

In the meantime, Amir “Ali Hadji Sheik Prince Doctor Veggie Boy” Davoud has shortened his MetroNation alias to simply, “A.M.” If any NON-MetroNation folks (excluding our guests at the viewing party) think you know what it stands for, submit your guess to moreinfo@metronation.net. The first winning guess will receive a Gift Certificate for two tickets two a Metro match of their choosing! Contest expires Friday, May 6, at midnight!!

YIRB,
MetroNation