. . . that is the sound you will soon hear before they put the paddles to my chest, especially if the Metros do not string some consistent 3-point results together in the waning weeks of this regular season. This post will be exceptionally brief as I have been on business in Nashville, TN, and will be here until Tuesday, Sept 27.

I am usually not at a loss for words. However, when you are essentially trapped in a convention center with a “Rusty’s Sport’s Bar” (NOPE, not “O’Neill’s,” where we had our viewing party), and you ask the bartender to put the game on, and she says she cannot because everyone in the bar wants to watch, golf, NASCAR, or the “Hurricane Rita Weather Watch,” I knew I was in trouble. I think maybe we’ll join up with ESC at Nathan Hale’s Wednesday night (10/1) to feel more at home . What do you say, boys?!!

Modern technology attempted fill in the emotional void of not being able to watch the match. Keli and Johnny Metro were texting me with pivotal plays in the match. My ability to respond in a timely manner was hampered because I was trying to take notes on the utility of biochemical markers in evaluating the efficacy of osteoporosis treatment and predicting fracture outcomes . . . DON’T ASK!!! Anyway, the final text message was bad news . . . Heck! At this point, I would have settled for a tie, which is the one result that the MetroStars have been most consistently earning this year, oddly enough. - SIGH -

Although, after watching the highlights of this match after they were posted on MLSnet.com, Tony turned in a SPECTACULAR performance, which earned him his second “Man of the Match” honors from us. What a CHINTZY goal!!! UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!! To go from a 5-4 goal-fest to a 0-1 nail-biter, according to those watching, what gives?

I will tell you what gives . . . MetroNation, figuratively speaking. If you have not noticed we are auctioning off some pretty cool stuff online. A portion of the proceeds will be donated DIRECTLY to underserved/needy youth soccer programs in the Gulf Region (i.e., Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana). So, please bid to help this cause. In addition, please pray to help the Metros’ cause . . . . they need us more than ever, now!

YIRB,
MetroNation

METRONATION MAN OF THE MATCH: Tony Meola

PS Thanks, Kansas City Wizards . . . !!!!!!!!!!

Preferably, one of the MetroGirls . . . [alarm clock sounds off] . . .

More than 17,000 people were there to witness it, and if you were not, you really missed out. As further inspiration to this post, I am listening to the match highligts of off the MetroStars’ web site while typing . . . The top team in MLS (at the time) visits our struggling, desperate Metros, but who were still were showing signs of life in the waning regular season . . . Neither team depleted with talent . . . I guess their plan worked, because after NINE goals were scored, the Metros were the ones celebrating, after an entertaining match with VERY INVOLVED fans. Incidentally, no thanks to the large Ukrainian American contingent in attendance, who must have just been WAY TOO TIRED to cheer on the Metros after their Heritage Day festivities. Kudos to the MFO for getting butts in the seats for this match, but they may as well have supplied the Ukrainians with free “Preparation H.” SHEESH! Sitting or standing, the MFO gets its $$$ . . . it is a business, right? As annoying as it was to have the Chivas USA fans in town on Hispanic Heritage Day, at least they were standing up and getting involved! When will we seem them, again, hmmmm???? OK, no more soapbox . . .

According to plan, our Boys in Red a Black took the game to the Revolution, with Magee striking first in minute 7, after an exquisite first touch off a Djorkaeff switch from the right to the left. “Reiss-a-Roni” got a piece of Magee’s laser, but was deflected into the upper-left corner. Holy s–t, we say! We are already up!!!? However, it was still early in the match. The Metros protected their slim advantage until the 29th minute, when “Sharie” Joseph (what else to you call a guy who has dreadlock PIG-tails?) brought the Revs level (1-1). The referee (I THINK that is what he was) signals halftime . . . Uh oh, we say! Draws are just all too familiar to us, but a whole second half remains . . .

As has been the case before, it must have been the Red Bull or the MetroGirls in the locker room (pure speculation, by the way ), or SOMETHING that had our Boys coming out with guns blazing, as we go UP BY TWO GOALS by the 59th minute off of exquisite strikes from none other than Youri (with brilliant ball control to beat Reiss-a-Roni and convert from a very difficult angle to an open net) and Amado (after beautiful ball movement through the midfield and a one-time strike from a left-footed crossfield “worm-burner” from Ward . . . 3-1). The Red Bull, testosterone, adrenalin, and lipstick wear off, and we find ourselves DOWN a goal by the 74th minute. Sharie Joseph, Clint (Cletus II) Dempsey, and Taylor (Ham) Twellman are the culprits (3-4). At this point, Angry Metro (A.M.) looks back at us, biting his MetroStars scarf to keep from saying something he would regret (well, maybe not regret, but you know what I mean) with a look in his eye that captured the angst of all of us. A.M. sits down in protest, only to arise permanently 2 minutes later, after “Bradley Jr.” serves a perfectly weighted ball to a streaking Magee, who calmly slips the ball under a converging Reiss-a-Roni and a determined Parkhurst (can’t think of how to bust on him), whom I think wanted to see where Magee’s jersey was made during the run of this play (probably China). So, ask EITHER “Mikey,” and I am sure they will tell you, “They LOVE it!!” (4-4). However, we are level once again, with playoff hopes and Metro fan emotions in purgatory . . . What the f— did I just see?!!!! Youri, playing like a man possessed (all night, mind you, and earning himself MLS Player-of-the-Week honors), beats Reiss-a-Roni on a near-post shot at a virtually impossible angle after taking on THREE defenders in the 86th minute!! I thought it was the Germans who were the engineers, not the French?. . . (5-4) This result holds, especially after an acrobatic left-handed Meola save in the 88th minute (and an even better triple-Lindsay flop by Taylor the “Ham”), and the MetroStars and MetroNation exalt! Did anyone notice if the Ukrainian Americans, including the annoying “wanna-be Revs fans” two rows behind me, knew what had happened? No disrespect folks, but if you were not helping us create that home-field advantage (part of our organization’s Mission), then you have to expect this ribbing, especially when sitting nearby us!!

Now, when we had our trademark “flag” banner created (you know, the one on which we “pin” the soccer balls to honor each Metro goal scorer?), we decided on FIVE (5) possible soccer balls that could be pinned, because we were thinking PENALTY KICKS, not regulation tallies!!!!! I doubt we will see our banner filled like this in regulation time for a LOOOOONG while . . . This match was reminiscent of last season’s goal-fest against San Jose, in which we emerged with . . . take a guess . . . A DRAW!! Nevertheless, this time it was different, and our collective hat is off to our Boys, the coaches, and staff. I have no idea what we would have done if we scored a sixth goal . . . maybe string Johnny Metro over the railing in front of the Citizen’s Corner banner? Hmmmm . . . we will keep that one in mind! This match MUST go down as one of the all-time greatest matches in MLS to date. It was unpredictable, and you can compare it to what Chief Metro and Angry Metro had to say beforehand. Hehe! All of a sudden I am a “CEO” and A.M. is anonymous!! Sierra Mist “Goal of the Week” nominations . . . HAAAHHHHHAA!!!!!!!! Take your pick of the 5 that the Metros scored in this one match. Of course, with the league’s emphasis on parity, it partially explains why only ONE of the goals from this match has been nominated. Furthermore, given the current nominees and the vote statistics, it is amazing how much the voters do NOT know how to differentiate a great goal from a good one . . . SERIOUSLY!

All I know is that regardless of the outcome of this season, I will NEVER forget what I saw on this night! Holy GOL, GOL, GOL, GOL, GOL, Batman!!! I think even A.M. is stifled for the time being after what he witnessed, despite the remedial vocabulary lessons nested in these editorials . . . . I am only trying to help, A.M.!! We believe it revealed what this team is really made of, and went a long way to emotionally stabilizing a bipolar fan base, figuratively speaking, I hope! No offense, A.M. . . . Ahem! Hehe!! Speaking of regular-season outcomes, we got a little help from our pals in the Heartland as they drew with the Galaxy (yeah, how does it feel?!). Now, we are within three (3) POINTS of a playoff berth behind the Wizards, instead of five, with a game in hand on KC :); and our Red and Black Army are off to Foxboro next weekend to take on the SECOND-best team in MLS . . . I smell redemption!! Perhaps the current standings in the Reserve League might be VAGUELY predictive of how the top division will pan out for the regular season? WE ONLY HAVE ONE MORE HOME-STAND THIS REGULAR SEASON ON OCTOBER 1. We will be looking to have a silent auction and a “MetroStars Retrospective” viewing of previous seasons’ highlights at our LAST REGULAR-SEASON METROGATE with some exclusive MetroSTARS merchandise we have accumulated throughout the season. THUS, IT WOULD BEHOOVE EVERYONE TO BE THERE!!! Stay tuned for details and keep checking our Calendar on this site, too!

Lastly, getting serious for moment, MetroNation and the MetroStars really accomplished something special, and it had NOTHING REALLY TO DO WITH SOCCER (There you go, Shep! I said, “soccer,” OK?!!! ) Thanks to a Clifton firefighter, who alerted the soccer message-board community about some families who were being relocated to hotels nearby the Meadowlands from Louisiana, we were able to host 15 of these people, including two families, for the evening at our MetroGate and in Citizen’s Corner. It was really a treat to see all those young, little kids filling up the front row of Citizen’s Corner, hazing the Revs (not refs, the adults were doing just fine, here!), calling them “dufus-butts” and “boogerfaces”), and even starting some chants of their own, which we happily augmented (another word for you, A.M.). Consequently, while this week’s post in “Sights and Sounds” lacks sound, each picture is worth 1,000 audible words, with the themes of “caring and compassion” being emphasized . . . we would have more pictures if A.M. would send me the ones that were taken using his camera . . . HELLLOOOOO, A.M??! I sincerely thank ALL who were involved, from conception to execution, including the MFO, who supplied T-shirts (which were the envy of many onlookers to our MetroGate) and an opportunity for the kids and their parents to participate in the MetrosFC autograph session in the Bubble, afterward. It was a very special evening, in more ways than one. A special thanks goes out to “Angry Metro” for conceiving of this idea. You see? The therapy is working!!! I will go out on a limb here in this editorial and go on record as believing that if you stop to put things in perspective every once in a while, there IS a higher purpose than soccer . . . DOH! Did I just say that???!

METRONATION MAN OF THE MATCH: Youri Djorkaeff (by definition, we need to choose one, but after last night’s performance, ALL of you deserve this distinction!)

YIRB,
MetroNation

PS
While you may vehemently (another one for you, A.M.) dispute my ramblings on behalf of our group, they must mean something, as GreenPitch magazine recently published what I and others had to say about “Selling your Soccer” in their Summer 2005 issue (pages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). I know, shameless plug, but what do you expect from the Chief [Execuitve] Officer of an emerging MetroStars Fortune 500 fan club? Hehe!

PPS
OK, enough about me . . . If you are an MLS team supporter of ANY kind, you will want to take heed of the Supporters Section information for the 2005 MLS Cup! Assume the MetroStars WILL be there . . . so plan ahead!!! See the new icon above . . .

PPPS
I know, I know! Enough already, right? Well, I perused the official web site of London’s englandfans. Remember those spirited England National Team supporters who visited NJ over the Memorial Day holiday for the England v Colombia friendly? Well, I discovered they posted even more pretty cool photos, capturing the highlights of the Monday before in Manhattan. A bit outdated, but still cool!

First thing’s first . . . Thank you to Mitch Sandler and the staff at the Grasshopper Also in Carlstadt, NJ, for hosting our viewing party. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was friendly, and the band was . . . well, I do not really know about the band, because after the conclusion of the match (when the band started playing), Angry Metro dragged me into the bar section to watch him “rule” the dart board! Ahem . . . Mitch and his staff were very attentive to our needs (one of the waiters was even a Metros fan!), and Mitch actually sat down with us and had a heart-to-heart as to why he does not do post-games with the Metros anymore. I am sure it has NOTHING to do with the fact that he is a proud Red Sox nation “citizen!!!!” -GAG-

Enough of the shameless plugging! Now, go figure!! The MetroStars claim 3 points on the road in a gritty battle in Kansas City, off the lone GOAL from Eddie Gaven. I think it was inappropriately characterized as an “Own Goal.” Why steal the credit from the shooter? One of the most glorious moments of the game is THE GOAL, and why would a match statistician think that Eddie was NOT trying to score on his shot???! Even if it did not deflect off of Victorine, it would have still been on net. I said it deflected off Victorine . . . as in it did not look like he made a deliberate play for the ball . . . DUH!!!! OK, enough of this soapbox . . .

For all you non-believers out there (you know who you are), we just want to clarify that MetroNation represents a unique segment of the Metros’ passionate and proud fan base. Frankly, we feel it is our duty to carry the team through thick or thin, regardless of how irrational, difficult, or hopeless. Ideally, ALL passionate and proud Metros fans (e.g., ESC, MetroNation, or whomever) should feel a certain obligation to this cause. Having said that, we are only human. Otherwise, we could not be who we are. Being human also empowers us to fall short of our ideals at times. When you eat, sleep, and drink Metros, what do you expect?! Ironically, as fanatical as we can be in our support of the Metros, at times, we can be equally fanatic about our criticism. Honestly, these extremes go hand in hand in the realm of professional sports, and MLS is no exception.

Consider Tony Meola, who has been a target of unrelenting criticism from the Metro fanbase-at-large, including MetroNation. Here is an alternative perspective: I truly believe that Tony and all the Metros give it their all out there on the pitch. Arguably, the team, or certain individuals, may not be perceived as having much to give at times. For the sake of discussion, perception is reality. Regardless, what I saw last night was a resilient MetroStars side, which passed the ball well and protected their one goal advantage, even being a man down for nearly 30 minutes! Tony Meola, who recorded his first clean sheet (a much needed boost to his confidence, I would assume), and along with some fantastic individual efforts from the defense, kept us from giving up 2 points in the waning moments of this scrappy match! Coach Bradley must know something we do not, because Tony keeps starting . . . Suffice to say, from our vantage point in Citizen’s Corner (Section 115), we have no “locker room” insight. So, we can only be taken “so seriously,” if you will. On the other hand, ESC (Section 101), is closer the lockers than we are . . .

Now, one might argue, as Angry Metro (A.M.) did with me at the viewing party, that A.M.’s ruthless and obvious hazing of Tony, during the front-end of this home-and-home series with the Wizards, was the catalyst for Tony’s elevation of his game on the back end of this series. Who is to say that A.M. did not have a positive influence? Now, we are not justifying A.M.’s “technique” in any and all circumstances, but some players ARE motivated by such adverse stimuli (that word was for you, A.M.). Of course, A.M. also thinks that he can have the same impact on the officiating–let me know when the Metros win with Abbie Okulaja. THEN, I will believe you, A.M.!

Regardless, Tony and his teammates turned in a solid performance, and I think they should be congratulated for it. Besides, how can we help their cause against the likes of Taylor Twellman, Clint Dempsey, Steve Ralston, and Pat Noonan, if we keep bashing him or others on the team? Remember, we are trying to create a unique home-field ADVANTAGE for the team. Admittedly, I am no angel, but hindsight is 20/20, and I think we should give credit where it is due. Well done, lads!!!!!

My only advice to Tony is this . . . We know mom and dad are in Kansas City, and we admire your family ties. Now, enough with thanking your old team/community, who essentially let you go your own way. You owe a little more to the MetroStars for giving you the chance you arguably deserved. So, stay focused on the Red and Black and the short-term task of qualifying for the playoffs. Bring your experience and leadership to bear on the pitch. It is NOT going to get any easier down the stretch for you or the rest of your teammates. We would like to think that your heart is in East Rutherford (until we move to Harrison), with the MetroStars!

Obviously, we are not out of the quicksand just yet, but we STILL have a chance to make the playoffs!! With a match in hand against DC United and Kansas City, and two scheduled matches with DC United later on, this season is really coming down to the wire. Would we expect anything less from the Metros as of recent seasons? I think not. I would like to see ALL fans (MetroNation or not) do their part to help the Metros along, and it can start with filling the stands on the remaining two crucial home matches against the Revolution (9/17) and DC United (10/1). While it is a steep challenge, all is NOT lost at this moment. We choose to focus on the optimism that still remains this season . . . YOU need it, WE need it, and for Pete’s sake, the METROS need it!

Lastly, the most recent All Access video elaborates on the MetroStars’ commemorative orange kits, highlights the involvement of the “Toms River Twins,” Donny Sanders (Charter Citizen) and Paul Kelly (staunch MetroNation supporter; and technically from Lavallette) in the MetroStars Alliance program, and wraps-up my interview with Alexi!

METRONATION MAN OF THE MATCH: Tony Meola

YIRB,
MetroNation

PS
An interesting interview of Alexi on FIFA.com . . .

OK, we need to catch up on nearly two weeks of silence! So, bear with us . . .

Now, being die-hard Metro fans is beginning to take its toll on us physically, which could be best described as a “Holiday Hangover,” after the Metros fight back from behind (again) to extend their league-leading AND club-leading tie record (since they starting allowing draws, beginning with the 2000 MLS season) during a Labor Day weekend clash. Personally, being only my fourth consecutive season (I have only lived here for 4 years, so far), I fear that some “charter members” of ESC may be “Metro Zombies” at this point, after nearly 10 seasons! Believe it or not, the 2004 Columbus Crew sqaud holds the all-time league-wide record at 13. Though ties are not losses, they may as well be if you are in danger of not qualifying for the playoffs. If you read the last contribution in this section and the title of this one, you already know our stance on this subject. However, last night tipped Angry Metro over the edge, figuratively speaking, and at several points during the match . . . almost literally!

Now, we want to know who was the scheduling genius? Labor Day weekend, when everybody goes on their last summer vacation and many youth teams travel to tournaments??? With so few cars and people, I thought Giants Stadium was venue for Finnish Heritage Day! Oh, and did anyone realize that the USMNT was playing Mexico at Crew Stadium in Columbus at the same exact time? Hmmmmm . . . struggling Metros, or [FIFA RANK #6] USMNT WCQ? . . . . YOU decide who made the better choice!

Forget VCRs and TIVOs my friend, because it makes absolutely perfect sense to broadcast the half-time and full-time results on the Jumbotron, right?! Does anyone realize that REAL soccer fans WATCH the game, live or not???! Well, if you are utilitarian in your ethical views, you are comforted by the 8,765 attendance statistic, which is arguable accurate, but I did not count heads myself. The McDonald’s in Colts Neck, NJ or Sloatsburg, NY could draw more people by introducing the new “Pippie Longstocking Happy Meal.” RIGHT! You get my point . . . Of course, if you were able to smuggle a small portable TV into Giants Stadium, you could TRY to keep tabs on both games . . . I understand it is virtually impossible to divide your attention in this way, as you end up missing the goals in BOTH matches and almost smash your mini-TV with . . . uh . . . AHEM! Regardless, our All-American side clinched a trip to Berlin in 2006! WAY TO GO!!

We just wish we had something really good to say about the Metros this week . . . To avoid sounding like a broken record, ALL the stakeholders (i.e., coaches, staff, players, fans) know the gravity of the situation the MetroStars are now in. Rather than state the obvious, I will let these “issues” marinate in your own heads. Too bad Reserve Team performances do not count toward the MLS Cup! On serious note, there are people a lot worse off than MetroStars fans . . . . It is inhuman NOT to be moved by such tragedy . . .

MLS and the MetroStars are doing their part to support the Hurricane Katrina Relief effort. The MetroStars entered the stadium wearing commemorative orange uniforms, which led one to believe that the Netherlands national side was on tour in NJ (although, the names and the uninspiring performance were a dead giveaway), with Tony “Michelin Man” Meola covered in nearly all white. MetroNation nationals joined the cause, sporting orange armbands, headbands, and T-shirts, and we even draped an orange T-shirt over our recognizable MetroNation banner, which incidentally was accompanied by two giant soccer balls by full-time: one for Youri, and the other for Ante. Thank you, boys! However, because this game was not televised, “Mr. Assistant Referee Supple,” still has a job. We will leave Youri’s disallowed goal in the 81st minute alone. He almost won it for us in the 93rd minute with an incredible header that ricocheted off the crossbar . . -SIGH- Youri’s performance was deserving of “Man of the Match” status. If you were in Columbus, OH, instead, use what little imagination you might have left at this point in the Metros season . . .

On the brighter side, MetroNation has recently had lots of opportunities for publicity, beginning with the first of a two-part interview series with Alexi by your Clueless Leader. Before you get your shorts all up in bunches, it was totally UNREHEARSED, and I was totally UNPREPARED, as I was on my way back from a business appointment in Manhattan! In my opinion, which seems to be shared by others, Alexi is a good interviewee, with a frank demeanor, and NEVER at a loss for words . . . hence, the TWO part interview! Of course, I did ask plenty of questions . . . Stay tuned for Part Deux! (That was for you, Youri!)

After this interview, I was able to chat with Nick Sackiewicz (whose office is just down the hall from the MFO) for a little while about the new stadium, where he shared some of his ideas and some visually appealing concept drafts of what the Harrison complex will look like . . . I CANNOT WAIT! Relive the emotional milestone announcement in Harrison! Again, thank you, Nick!!

If you picked up your most recent issue of FreeKick magazine entitled “Fan-demonium” on the cover (Vol. 10 , Issue 4), on your way through the turnstiles, in addition to a “thank you” from Nick to all Metro fans, there was a nice two-page article about ESC, MetroNation, and FRI. MetroNation’s Italian Stallions, Lou Zecca and Gennaro Russo, were also featured in a nice mug with Alexi! (See our “Sights and Sounds” section.)A sincere thank you to the MFO and the MLS who helped pull that all together. On behalf of MetroNation, we very much appreciate you helping the “Metro fan” cause.

Lastly, but certainly not least, our beloved Tab Ramos was formally inducted into the Soccer Hall of Fame last week . . . the first Metro ever to do so! So, according to Nick Sackiewicz, the new Harrison stadium will represent the rich soccer tradition of the immediately surrounding communities, including Kearny, NJ (Tab’s hometown). Thus, we shall not forget the Era of Tab Ramos for club and country (see Tab Ramos HOF under the “Chief Officer Letters” section below)! Again, congratulations, Tab!

METRONATION MAN OF THE MATCH: YOURI DJORKAEFF

YIRB,
MetroNation

PS
Welcome back to the Sorrentinos, who traveled cross-country and back in 30 days. WE MISSED YOU ALL! Read all about it here!

PPS
Thanks to MetroNation Ambassador, Chris Lynch, who made the trip all the way from Berlin (photographing the world’s largest television) to be with MetroNation! Now THAT’S dedication!!