Needless to say it was a shame that less than 8,000 (at $10/ticket!!!???) saw the Metros up-end FC Dallas . . . or should I say, “burned” FC Dallas? When Ante Razov recorded the first goal of the match, there was essentially nobody else to celebrate with, except of course, METRONATION! That was sweet . . . and Mike Bradley, wait until your father hears about your use of expletives towards Ante after he scored!!! F-YEAH, buddy!! Kudos, for not giving up (i.e., Magee, Galvan Rey)

OK, Angry Metro got even angrier at your ol’ Clueless Leader here, because I did not shine the proverbial “limelight” on him intensely enough, when we rolled out his first installment of “Angry Metro: RAW.” So, to essentially stifle him (look THAT one up in the dictionary, A.M.), if that is even possible, I am keeping my words to a minimum, and then let his next installment of his pathetic rantings and ravings do the rest, even if they are outdated . . . (because he is notoriously late with his submissions, but do not tell him I told you that . . . it would just set him off . . . SHHHHHHH!!!!!)

Metros, you are not “off the hook” just yet, but last night was great psychological boost for you and your fans, and a nice way to end on a positive note into the All-Star break! Get well and stay healthy! Way to go, boys . . .

On a scorcher of a day, one could spell “relief” as R-A-I-N, of which we got plenty. However, we prefer . . . G-O-A-L-S-x-3!

METRONATION MAN OF THE MATCH: SERGIO GALVAN REY (HONORABLE MENTION TO SCOTT GARLICK)

YIRB,
MetroNation

PS
To the (Keli) Sorrentino Family . . . safe travels across the country . . . we will miss you!!!! (Can you believe they left right after the match???)

If you read the previous news blast, you will understand the title of this one. It is a good thing we forgot the MetroCam and camera last week, and was sitting in the comfort of my own home last week, not making any special viewing party effort. There was not much to document or celebrate on either count.

Oddly, it seems that recently, all the conference “bottom feeders” are making statements against the food-chain “champs” . . . except our Metros. I really do not know what gives here?! We start the season off with an impeccable record on the road, and now, we have lousy outcomes no matter where we play. This is NOT the time in the season to be having this slump, especially with DC United putting distance between us in the last playoff spot.

Last night, it looked like the team who played Columbus showed up again (in spirit), against the ‘Quakes. We suppose this time, the excuse will be the field was so small, or Guevara was not healthy, or perhaps young Bradley was suspended. Indeed, our bench was shallow, but if we are going to turn things around, the bench has to perform better than they did last night, especially if they ever imagine starting. Ryan Suarez put in a good effort, making is debut for the Red and Black, but we were shocked not to see “Iron Man” Leitch starting.

While the Metros struck first off a Suarez cross, with an ugly own goal off former Metro, Ricardo Clark, the ‘Quakes tallied two well-earned strikes off of Chung and DeRosario. Incidentally, Chung’s tying tally came 1 minute after the Metros’. SHEESH! So, we ask Alexi and the rest of the MetroStars organization, and especially the players . . . our back is nearly broken . . . we have FC Dallas at home, next . . . what now? We want to believe . . . we want to have faith . . . but you have got to give us something . . . like your hearts and souls on the pitch.

We cannot imagine what Angry Metro is going to say about these last two matches, but do not hold us responsible. UGH! Regardless, I hope the Metros make us proud at home on Wednesday, and that we can start to see some consistency in form.

I am not going to dwell, as we should channel our energy towards the USMNT this afternoon in the Gold Cup FINALS! (I WAS THERE) After that, we will be back to our MetroGating ways on Wednesday! Go Red, White, and Blue . . . go, Go, GO, Red and Black!!!

YIRB,
MetroNation

METRONATION MAN OF THE MATCH: We honestly cannot think of one. We are open to suggestions.

OK, so I was on my way to the airport Thursday morning for a short business trip to Atlanta through Friday. Buckhead had better ‘fess up to its reputation tonight as a Downtown hotspot, because I am missing being at Giants Stadium for the Gold Cup Semifinals for this . . . AND, more depressingly, I must report that our Metros fell to (of all teams) the lowly Crew last night. ARGH! The pain . . . I must drown . . . my sorrows, that is!

The previous Wednesday afternoon, I had returned from business in Boston by car (3+ hour drive) just in time to head out into the Lincoln Tunnel rush hour to Nevada Smith’s, where the MetroStars were hosting a Town Hall meeting with Alexi Lalas, which was covered by Ethan and Shep for the Metro Soccer Report (MSR). While I missed the whole MSR segment, MetroNation was represented for this portion, thanks to Lou, Johnny Metro, and Princess Annemarie. I heard that Alexi responded (shall we say) gracefully to the interrogation . . . erh . . . inquisition . . . ah, no . . . questions! Nothing short of what you would expect from a more “polished” Lalas, who confessed that ” . . . 99.9% of the MetroStars front office has a higher education than he does,” and colored some of his responses with some good ol’ bar room vernacular. This was likely his attempt to “dummy it down” for us, if you will. Fortunately, we left the yellow and red cards at home. J After this heart to heart with Alexi, we all reveled amidst the energetic atmosphere and focused our attention on the plasma screens, anticipating another 3 points on the road, especially against the Crew, whom we have dominated thus far this season.

Frankly, I am too tired, frustrated, and heartbroken to get into the details. Just watch for yourself. If Alexi could have predicted the outcome of this tragedy, I think he would have snuck out early. He was nearly accosted in the bar at the conclusion of the match by at least one VERY ANGRY fan . . . (HINT: NOT Angry Metro)! Although, I must credit this guy for having the courage to vent to Alexi, expressing the collective frustration and pain of ALL MetroStars fans present. On the flip side, I might recommend that next time he apply his martial arts expertise to a softer surface. I guess Walker and Wolyniec get their revenge . . .

Speaking of Angry Metro (or “the devil,” whichever you choose), we have been advised by the ACLU that we can no longer censure this MetroNation personality in an attempt to protect the Tri-State community. Consequently, we have worked tirelessly with our HR department and external organizational and psychiatric consultants, who have recommended that we implement an anger-management program for him, which is customized to his specific needs, one of which is to “be heard.” Part of A.M.’s “therapy” entails what the experts describe as “controlled catharsis.” YUCK! After last week’s disappointing draw against the cRapids, I am afraid of what he will come up with for this mishap on the road against Columbus. This had better be worth it, because these consultants are gouging us!

Up until now, this section of MetroNation.net has had a mostly positive slant. This article deviates from that ever so slightly. I am a passionate fan, but I am also human . . . and an informed fan! Last night’s loss broke the camel’s back for many of us watching, including those of the MetroStars staff (you could see it on their faces). If the Metros do not turn things around soon, they will need to customize a “controlled catharsis” program for me, which could not possibly be pretty.

Needless to say, there MUST be more changes coming. Stay tuned, and enjoy the Gold Cup FINALS at Giants Stadium. Support our boys of the “other colors,” (Did you know they moved from 10th to 6th in the FIFA rankings?!!) before returning your attention to our Boys in Red and Black against the Earthquakes, and then, FC Dallas . . . GULP!

METRONATION MAN OF THE MATCH: TONY MEOLA

YIRB,
MetroNation

Returning back to Lot 15, the festivities beg
an with our MetroGate, and this time, we had our own viewing of the USMNT v Jamaica in the Gold Cup quarterfinals. This would not have been possible without the effort of “Angry Metro,” who purchased the necessary equipment to turn my car battery into the TV’s power source. Thanks, A.M.! With a 3-1 result, our country’s football pride and joy will be visiting Giants Stadium later this month! J.M. was “fur-less,” which was probably the biggest deviation from the MetroGate “norm,” if there is such a thing. We even had the pleasure of ESC’s company, too! One of them was casing out my car, but made off with the beer, instead! On a more serious note, MetroNation had its own collection of new or “gently used” soccer equipment and gear, of which we collected 33 items that were donated to the USSF Passback Campaign at Gate D.

Given the result from the last time the Metros and cRapids squared off in Colorado, we all were anticipating another three points to cap off a two-match home stand for the Metros. Unfortunately, the best the Metros were able to do was 4 points in two matches, culminating in a 1-1 draw against the cRapids. The Metros came out like gangbusters against a seemingly unprepared cRapids side, with the lion’s share of chances (both on and off frame, including corner kicks), albeit easily scooped up by Joe “Dirt” Cannon . . . EXCEPT for a textbook Youri header which beat “Dirt” and caromed off the post in the just the 3rd minute. Overall, this “take-it-to-you” tempo was not maintained, and this could have partially been due to the “heavy” natural turf that was recently installed for the upcoming Gold Cup matches and AC Milan/Chelsea friendly later this month.

In the second half, the referee, Alex Prus, seemed all too hesitant to use his cards, as the fouling was very one-sided against the MetroStars. Galvan Rey, who began this half in place of Youri created some great chances and had some of his own. However, it was Razov who lit up the scoreboard first with a 20-yard, left-foot bending cracker off a rebound from a cRapids defender. Incidentally, checkout the coverage we get in the video highlights! However, just 9 minutes later, Agoos (who had a solid match up to this point) was all but “snoozing” on (of all people) Cunningham, who one-timed a perfectly weighted serve from the left flank into the underside of the top of the net - no chance for Wells. I think Suarez deserves a peek at the pitch at this point . . . and what happened to Regan? Later in the half, Ibrahim replaced the hard-working Razov (84′), and Magee relieved an exhausted Lisi (89′). However, the substitutions were in vain, as the cRapids were obviously content with playing for tie, putting 10 men behind the ball, and leaving Cunningham free to roam alone up front.

While the Metros still maintain a weak grip on the fourth playoff spot, precious points seem too hard to come by, especially at midseason. At least we got ONE point, but if teams like Columbus (under new management and thriving Johnny Walker) and DC keep earning three to our every single point, we have some quick thinking to do. While the post-match mood in the stadium was rather stoic, we did make it to the post-match party at Cheeseburger in Paradise, where it was good to see Amado up and walking after a obviously reckless tackle in the waning minutes of the match by the cRapids . . . again, Mr. Prus, no caution? Do not expect to find yourself in the running for MLS Referee of the Year . . . Try not to referee like you are from New Jersey.

In the most unlikely of circumstances, despite our good-natured hazing (is there such a thing?) of Wolde Harris while he was warming up behind the goal, he STILL was kind enough to donate his game-worn boots to the MetroNation section (SIGNED!) for contribution to the USSF Passback Campaign. While he is not a Metro, he did display the kind of professionalism and class I would like to see all MLS athletes display, especially from a VISITOR. He was also sporting some dental bling-bling, too. Hey, Wolde! Can you donate a molar or incisor to the cause, too?!!

While things returned to a relatively normal state, change is a good thing. We need to change the status quo of the MetroStars at home from uncertainty to a “guaranteed” 3 points. I hope these points do not become more elusive as the season advances . . .

METRONATION MAN OF THE MATCH: ANTE RAZOV

YIRB,
MNCO

On the heels of a recent road trip to Foxboro with ESC, we combined forces again this past weekend. Sprinkle in few “Idiots,” and you have the makings of a combination USMNT viewing party/Metro fan tailgate. A strong statement of soccer fan solidarity was issued as all three MetroStars fan clubs united under a pop-canopy and 27″ color TV in the back of an SUV (thanks, A.M.!) to support our Boys in Red, White, and Blue against Canada in the CONCACAF Gold Cup! Grills were fired up, coolers were prepped, college buddies were reunited, relationships were put to the test, the State Fair Meadowlands and Cirque du Soleil were festive, banners were hung, and U.S. flags unfurled to create a truly spectacular atmosphere for pre-game festivities, despite dodging just a few sprinkles of rain.

Saturday was a particularly special day for MetroNation, as we were presenting the re$ult$ of our efforts and those of gracious donors to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! Myself and Keli Sorrentino, our Fundraising Coordinator, escorted young Neal Calabrese, Jr. (a leukemia survivor), and his family to midfield with Alexi Lalas and a representative from the local LLS chapter. Through a simple penny drive (Keli’s brainchild), we raised more than $1,000 . . . $1,015.20 to be exact!!! Who would have thought we could have done so much with spare change?! Afterward, the entire Calabrese family joined us in Section 115 to enjoy the Metros/Galaxy match, and they really did! See you all at MetroGate!!!

After enjoying a satisfying result from the USMNT and our check-presentation ceremony, we turned our attention to our Boys of the “other colors.” It has seemed like forever since we enjoyed the comforts of Citizen’s Corner. Alas! We were back, and the Metros hosted a depleted LA Galaxy side. The Metros struck first, and Ante Razov figured in again, earning a well-deserved PK, which was converted by “El Lobo.” Now, would somebody please tell me who told Tim (Mary) Hartman to dive to his left?!? Was he sleeping all last season, and just awoke to make the trip to New Jersey? No complaints here, but if he asked ANY of the other keepers in the league who have been on the other end of an Amado PK, they would have told him otherwise, right Joe Cannon? Not that it would have mattered, unless the post comes to your rescue (Do you hear me, Zach Thornton?!). Regardless, the one-goal advantage held up for the remainder of the first half.

After a ridiculous (likely unintentional “shot”) by LA which dipped and hit the ground and the inside of the far post simultaneously (Zach must have thought it was going wide; and so did the rest of us), the Metros retaliated with a Guevara toe flick which lofted the ball over an unprepared LA defense to the head of a cutting Eddie Gaven. “Mary” could not handle the initial shot, and with a nickname like “Mary,” how could he? Eddie followed up and calmly buried it for the winning goal. Other than these flashes of brilliance, the match was relatively uneventful, and at some points dull, EXCEPT for the melodious drum solos on our newly acquired noisemaker!! Perhaps not EVERYONE was at ease with idea of me banging the crap out of this drum all game, but it seemed to enhance spectator participation, or resentment, however you look at it! Regardless, we earned a much-needed three points, and thanks to Kansas City and San Jose, we put another point between us and DC (leapfrogging back into playoff position) and further distancing ourselves from the bottom of the table.

Unless this is your first time to our web site, you should notice some enhancements to MetroNation.net. The most important of which is a letter looking back at where we have come from and where we are headed. With the great core of Charter Citizens we have, our second-half should improve upon the first. We have recruited some great people into our organization since its inception. They have helped grow MetroNation to this point. We will rely on all of you and your friendly feedback to help steer MetroNation in the right direction through the second half of the season and into the playoffs!! OK, now see if you can find the other enhancements . . . HINT: megaphone

With the State Fair winding up, we hope to see you at our old hangout spot (Lot 15 near Gate D) on Saturday, July 16, when the cRapids come to town! We beat them in the SNOW at ALTITUTDE last time . . . remember Guevara’s hat trick? Man, we cannot wait for Saturday!!

METRONATION MAN OF THE MATCH: AMADO “EL LOBO” GUEVARA

YIRB,
MNCO