This phrase can be applied to at least three circumstances, in which we found ourselves, this past Saturday. Before I develop this idea, I want to thank ESC for organizing the road trip to Foxboro, MA. It was a blast, and we look forward to the next one! We showed up in force and color, and actually, I think we “out-supported” the Midnight Riders. Sorry, Monty!! Certainly, the U12 girls’ soccer team sitting next to us was NO match for the combined enthusiasm and wit of MetroNation and ESC!!! . . . Oh, brother! . . . Unfortunately, that may have been the only “silver lining” for us in the stands . . .

First, not as many people had actually taken the mini-bus up to Foxboro as originally had planned. That was OK, I guess, because we had more room for the coolers, food, etc. Second, the most frustrating circumstance of the day was earning a one-goal lead after being down 1-0 within the FIRST MINUTE of the match!! I actually missed the goal because Corey (ESC) and I were still hanging our banners up in front of Section 117 at Gillette Stadium!!! I hear the crescendo of the crowd, only to look up and see Zach Wells pumping his fist and retrieving the ball out of the goal. I said to myself, “What the #$%^@#!!??” I quickly shook it off, as there were 89+ minutes left to cancel out this advantage . . . AND THEY DID . . . with a spirited effort by SGR, which earned the Metros a PK (converted by Djorkaeff in the 67th minute), and then a Gaven-SGR combination for the go-ahead goal just 2 minutes later. Regretfully, it was not enough, as it seemed that our defense did not show up from the 70th minute on, with the home side answering with THREE goals (two of which were flukes)!!

Regardless, WE SHOWED UP and had a noticeable impact on the match environment, which was overtly appreciated by the players and coaches as they exited the pitch, and even Gillette Stadium security?!?!?!?!! They wore yellow, too!! So, what is up with our “brand” of “yellow jackets?” It must be the “clam chowdah.” Third, during our sluggish exodus out of the parking lot (would somebody PLEASE fix this problem?!??), AM, JM, and Ronnie (MetroGate “rookie”) decided to check out the fair, which was just across the street from the stadium. They also seemed to check out their sense of time, because we were en route on Route 1, having finally exited the parking lot, when we passed all three of them as they were frantically chasing the bus . . . aye-yuh-yaye!!!!

The bottom line is MetroNation and ESC combined forces to really show New Englanduhs what Metro passion and pride is all about. There is even a good clip of our section in the MLSnet video highlights after Galvan Rey’s tally. The Metro players and coaches acknowledged it, and even some of the Revs fans acknowledged it. Not bad, guys!! I just wish we could have left with bragging rights, because those annoying honking “cah horns” in the “pahking laht” were beginning to irritate me. I guess watching “Revenge of the Sith” on the ride home was meager consolation . . .

METRONATION MAN OF THE MATCH: Sergio Galvan Rey

YIRB,
MetroNation

PS

Correct Poll Response: Amir Davoud (a.k.a., A.M. or “Angry Metro”) . . . FOOLED YA’!!!

To hark back to a classic skit by Abbott and Costello, it was difficult to keep track of all the changes this past week or so. Although the analogy may not be entirely appropriate, as you could follow a baseball game while napping, you get the point.

It began with the somewhat “startling” news concerning the changes on and off the pitch. First, we trade Woly for Ante, which has seemingly received mixed reactions. However, Ante made his presence known this past weekend. Second, we bring in a fresh new face, Alexi Lalas, into the MetroStars front office, which unlike the aforementioned, seemed to have more popular support. Personally, I think this change is needed for the benefit of the “Harrison Project.” We have faith, Nick!! Third, your Clueless Leader turns another year older. In MetroNation years, I am 333 years old. I think I am good for another 18 or so years as your CO, who knows!? Tyrranical dictatorships tend to fall by the wayside over time! Fourth, the MetroStars chalk up another WIN at home! This time, it was a bit more convincing, but we were still on the edge of our seats until the final whistle. Lastly, was that Bob Bradley and Mo Johnston in the technical area . . . in SUITS!?!?!?!!!!

MetroNation was represented at the Town Hall meeting earlier in the week, at which Alexi introduced himself and engaged in a heart-to-heart discussion with Metros fans about the changes that had taken place, and speculated about some that may or may not take place. Despite his casual demeanor, he must have been ready to hit the ground running, because he was wearing sneakers with his suit. After hooking Alexi up with MetroNation gear, I guess he felt obligated to stop by MetroGate, and we were quite appreciative . . . for the beer, Guiness even! I am not one to bit the hand that feeds me, but it is better out of the can! Seriously, MetroNation nationals got to interact for the first time with Alexi, and it really was a nice touch to our MetroGate. Thanks, Alexi, and the MFO for facilitating everything!

The MetroStars responded well to the changes with a solid win against the Crew at home. Notably, Ante Razov snubbed his nose (figuratively speaking) at Greg Andrullis and the rest of the Crew. Youri capped the unusually exciting brand of soccer with a crisp PK finish. While Zach’s GAA may have crept up, he did save another PK off of Chris “Hang-10″ Henderson, the opportunity for which most thought was undeserved. Justice . . . and Zach . . . prevailed!

Former Metro, Cornell Glenn, and Edson Buddle (individually and combined) proved to be a nuisance by answering to each of the first two Metro goals. It was a more exciting contest than we are accustomed to at home, and MetroNation was especially lively and active thanks to some great youth teams in our section this time around! Great work! The MetroStars prevailed, and with some help from other teams in the league (even DC United), the MetroStars improve their conference standing, as well, and nip at the heels of current conference leaders, New England and Chicago. Let us hope we continue on this trend of improvement . . .

I was surprised to see John Wolyniec at the MetroStars post-game party at Prime Suites (PSSSST, MFO! Go to a place that can serve finger food, at least!). I took the opportunity to wish him well and we joked about how the new all-gold threads are “slimming.” I think the Crew’s nearly all-black home kit is better for that. Regardless, we wish you well, Johnny, but not against the Metros. Sorry, dude! Now, MetroNation looks ahead to its first road trip with ESC to Foxboro, where the Metros will get another chance to undermine the Revolution. If you STILL have not purchased a season-ticket package, remember that the Citizen and Colonist Passport offerings by MetroNation have the same benefits as MetroMemberships. I have been getting a lot of questions about our Passport offerings, and the best place to start is here.

They say sometimes change is good. So far, all indications are good, but there is a LOT of time left this season. However, being clueless, I am still challenged with balancing my personal, professional, and MetroNation lives . . . some things never change.

METRONATION MAN OF THE MATCH: ZACH WELLS

YIRB,
MetroNation

This acronym has two meanings for this news item. For the first time, your Clueless Leader missed kickoff due to some “logistical challenges” flying back from Virginia on Sunday. Truthfully, I read my itinerary incorrectly. So while my friend and I were intentionally waking up very slowly and enjoying the morning weather, our plane was taxiing down the runway. IMBECILE!!!! What should have been a relaxing flight home in the morning in time for MetroGate turned into a frenzied scramble from Norfolk to Newark, from Newark to home to pick up the MetroNation “regalia,” and scramble back to Giant’s Stadium for kickoff. Witnesses in Citizen’s Corner can attest that arrived at about the 5th minute. For that, I truly apologize, and more so for the fact that in my haste, I did not grab my digital photography equipment. AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!

Enough about my lack of organization . . . . In the context of the Metros/DC United clash, the Metros midfield was M.I.A. last night. The defense, especially Zach Wells, preserved a scoreless draw, and helped the Metros earn another point. This is very encouraging, since DC United had two video highlights to every Metros highlight. We had our chances, and the best came when Youri fed a laser through ball that found Abbe Ibrahim at about the 6-yard box just to the right of the net of a sprawling Rimando. The way our defense was playing, that would have likely been all we needed. CRRRRIPES, boys! We will take that over give DC United three points. So, both sides left quietly, without incident in the stands (on the pitch was a different story). We and the Screaming Eagles duked it out for a full 90, but neither side left completely satisfied. HOWEVER, WE ARE STILL IN PLAYOFF POSITION, AND STILL AHEAD OF DC UNITED IN THE STANDINGS!! Take your drums, speech impediments, and beer bellies (what was up with THAT guy???) elsewhere you Chirping Canaries!

Incidentally, when you watch the video highlights. Look at the backdrop on the wall in front of MetroNation. It looks REALLY COOL! We also haze the crap out of Christian “Go-HOME-z” on corner kicks . . . we got a rise out him!! We are ready for the Crew on June 18, are you? I had better not be late again, although it is my birthday on the 17th . . . YIKES!!

YIRB,
MetroNation

METRONATION MAN OF THE MATCH AND MLS PLAYER OF WEEK 11: ZACH WELLS

ADDENDUM:

“Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Chaaanges!” 7:00 PM

OK, somebody pass me the ibuprofen . . . My head is spinning, and it hurts!

In the words of David Bowie, I personally welcome these changes. I am encouraged by the focused commitment of AEG Soccer on the MetroStars franchise that was verbalized during the recently concluded live audio Webcast. AEG went so far as to admit their embarrassment concerning the job they have done in this market. Now, apparently, it is full steam ahead . . . IMMEDIATELY . . . shuffling rosters, front-office personnel, etc. Either way, change can be good, and my gut is telling me that this is one of those changes. With that said, on behalf of MetroNation, I want to sincerely thank Nick and the rest of the MFO, who have moved on or will be moving on to other posts inside or outside of the MetroStars community, for their encouragement of MetroNation during our debut season. As for Alexi Lalas . . . we want you to play “unplugged” at every MetroGate . . . bring a generator!!! Seriously, we welcome your enthusiasm and “fresh perspective,” and look forward to supporting the MetroStars alongside you and your “new” staff, “the forgotten soccer soldiers,” and Metros fans throughout the Tri-State area! This is season is already proving to be the most interesting one yet . . .

Now, somebody get me some water so I can take my pills!!!!!!!!!!

YIRB,
MetroNation

Although MetroNation was granted “leave” this weekend, after an unparalleled performance earlier this week and last weekend, your Clueless Leader would not get any sleep if he did not post at least SOMETHING. We are on a roll here, for Pete’s sake!

The sport of soccer is sometimes unforgiving, and the Metros/Galaxy clash was no exception. Everyone has an opinion, and I am going to give you mine . . . L.A. GOT SOOOOOOO LUCKY to come away with a draw!!! The Metros were all over the “L.A. Cones” for a full 90, but still could not come away with 3 points, even with a last ditch effort by . . . Tim Regan??!?!?? Nice attacking defense in the waning moments, Timmie! Fortunately, Abbe tallied his second MLS goal of his career in the first half, and Galvan Rey (Sergio substituted for Ibrahim after an injury Abbe sustained from THE BLATANT FOUL by Chinchilla!!!) contributed the second in the second half.

OK. It was supposed to be our weekend off . . . PSSSSST! There was a “secret” viewing party at my home. If you do not believe me, check out the most recent gallery update in our Sights and Sounds, which also includes a photo of a Metros home jersey autographed by the entire team, which we will raffle off on June 12, BUT not in the traditional way! Here is the scoop . . .

Over the past several months, MetroNation has been acquiring MetroStars merchandise. To celebrate the arrival of the summer season (and our Boys of Summer), MetroNation would like to begin raffling off these items.** So, to kick things off (no pun), from now until DC United comes to town (June 12), for every $1 you spend in our MetroNation Mall (rounding up, inclusive of tax and fees), you will receive TWO (2) raffle tickets. We will allocate these tickets to your name via the PayPal receipt we receive after your purchase is confirmed. Upon presentation of this PayPal receipt and photo ID (if necessary), you will receive your raffle ticket stubs and your purchased merchandise at our MetroGate (Lot 15, near Gate D) on June 12, where the raffle will take place. You may buy raffle tickets at MetroGate, but it will be $1 for one raffle ticket, and there are no taxes or fees added. Obviously, you MUST be present to win!

KICK OFF THE SUMMER IN STYLE . . . METRONATION STYLE, THAT IS!!!

YIRB,
MetroNation

METRONATION MAN OF THE MATCH: SERGIO GALVAN REY

** MetroNation nationals are excluded from this promotion

Up until this past Memorial Day holiday weekend, we were all just holding our breath, hoping that everything would turn out fine. After all, in our debut season, we were hosting one of the most well-established and well-traveled football (soccer) fan clubs in the world, englandfans, before the spectacular doubleheader extravaganza: England/Colombia, followed by Metros/Fire. Would we be viewed as a credible group supporting a credible team? Could we possibly demonstrate that we love football just as much as they do? These questions and more were filling up my head, as well as those of other MetroNation nationals. Well, here it goes . . .

The festivities began with an all-day celebration of football and interaction at Frederick Douglas Playground in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Hosted by Mark Perryman, the goodwill ambassador of London englandfans, MetroNation was in attendance, as well as local soccer enthusiasts. After several youth matches, Team USA 35+ defeated Team England 35+++. The score after the first half was 3-0, and because I was preoccupied off the pitch in the second half, I do not know the final score. I think Team USA won. All I know is, I figured in on our first goal, assisting David Witchard’s big toe! You might recognize this name if you read or hear of the First Touch fanzine. Afterward, David organized a viewing party for the West Ham v Preston FLC final, which had been TIVO’d at Mundial in The Village. What a great way to kickoff a weekend of soccer. We had LOTS of fun on and off the pitch that day! I was especially challenged by trying to understand the explanation of the sport of cricket . . . That is another whole news posting!

The next day, with a 4:00 PM kickoff scheduled for the first of the two matches (England/Colombia) and an 11:00 AM MetroGate “kickoff,” we were at Giant’s Stadium by 10:30 AM. “A.M.” and myself were so preoccupied with the logistics, that we both forgot our tickets, and had to turn back home. After significant effort in setting up our banner, which for the first time, was hoisted 20 feet in the air WITHOUT blowing over (for easy visibility), two tents, tables, grills, food, drink, etc, we kicked off a MetroGate like no other. Approximately 150 englandfans, nearly half of who were “walk-ups,” joined in this unprecedented event between two fan clubs: MetroNation in its first season, and englandfans in its “umpteenth” season! This was not hard to see or hear at all . . .

In addition to serving grilled ribs, chicken, dogs, burgers, and soft drinks, we had karaoke. Let me tell you, despite the stereotype, the English have a wild side, and some of them have great voices, too! Perhaps the most satisfying part of this whole event was that between a portion of our proceeds from this MetroGate and our Penny Drive at halftime of each match, we were able to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, in conjunction with their “Soccer Kicks for Cancer” campaign. Good fun, good company, and a great cause . . .

After enjoying a spirited match between England and Colombia, where American football fans were treated to englandfans passion and pride . . . and antics!! IT WAS AWESOME . . . no wonder why they sing well!! They were singing the WHOLE time, even in the final minutes of the Metros/Fire match, when their team was long gone!! The day and night were made perfect by the Metros first home win of the season against the Chicago Fire. John Wolyniec quieted our fears of another loss (without ANY wins) at home. In the gasping moments of the match, when we had all but accepted ANOTHER draw at home, Amado “El Lobo” Guevara registered a 93rd minute tally (there were only 3 minutes of extra time added) that will definitely go down in Metros history!! WHAT A GOAL!!!!! Honestly, if it were not for Wolyniec’s and Guevara’s heroics in the second half, this match would have been a complete snoozer.

I am exhausted from the physical and emotional commitment to this past week’s activities, as are my fellow nationals who also actively participated. So, take a break this weekend, and spend time in the comfort of family, friends, and loved ones watching the USMNT/Costa Rica WCQ and the Metros/Galaxy this weekend. I know we have all made sacrifices in these areas to help MetroNation grow, and I will call on you all to do it again. I know you will respond. For this, and everything else, I am truly grateful. You are a tough act to follow!

If you unfortunately were unable to participate on this BEAUtiful day, check out our Sights and Sounds. It does some justice, but it was nothing like being there! Thank you, enlgandfans!, Colombia fans, and fans of soccer from all around for making it so special!

I could not have dreamed of anything better . . . it was just . . . surreal . . .

METRONATION MAN OF THE MATCH: Amado Guevara (El Lobo)

YIRB,
MetroNation