In addition to whatever national passport you might hold, check out the DEEPLY DISCOUNTED MetroNation Passport offerings! You are not going to find a better deal, especially for full-season “Citizen” Passports, unless your name is Alexi Lalas. Seriously! Red and Black Fever has caught on from last season, and we have our entire crew returning, plus some NEW faces to be featured in our photos and videos for 2006!! Consider adding yourself to the MetroNation audiovisual album . . . WE WILL MAKE YOU A STAR!

Many people have asked us in person or through our website, “How do you join MetroNation?” It is very simple. Go to our Passport menu and find which offering (i.e., Citizen, Colonist, or Ambassador) is best for you. Call the MetroStars Customer Service number at the bottom, and BINGO! You are part of MetroNation, which means you will be STANDING with us in Citizens’ Corner for all the MetroStars’ home matches; have the opportunity to go on road trips to DC, New England, and the playoffs (YES, we will qualify again this year!) with other fans; gather with us for “Watch Parties” when the Metros are on the road; participate in some rewarding and fun community outreach activities, and . . . METROGATE!!

If you are unsure about joining as a “Citizen,” at least come by our MetroGates throughout the season. There is always the opportunity to become a “Colonist,” or “Ambassador.” Talk to some of us about last season (our inaugural season) to discover how special and memorable it was in many ways. Already, we have a couple of really neat projects to unveil in 2006!! At the very least, come support our Boys of Summer in their quest for the 2006 MLS Cup!!

YIRB,
MetroNation

PS
As an afterthought, there has been much draft activity recently. As the roster drama unfolds, who knows what “complexion” the MetroStars will have for 2006. All I know is that WE NEED AN MLS CUP . . . and we will take a US Open Cup, too! We are putting our trust in MoJo and Alexi . . . WE BELIEVE!

Well, folks! According to MetroNation Citizens in attendance for this much anticipated event, the Metros negotiated well and acquired the “#1 seed” pick, Marvell Wynne (if that makes sense), and an ecstatic and promising product of Newark, NJ, Josimer Altidore! Laslty, Zach Wells will find it tough to surf in Houston, but the Metros gained a young midfielder, Blake Camp. Indeed, most would agree that MoJo and Alexi were successful in Philadelphia this past Friday. Instead of going into details about the draft, MetroStars.com can satisfy your need for details, including a brief video introduction to the first pick of the first round!

I would rather focus on the fact that MetroNation was well represented in Philadelphia (i.e., “Johnny Metro,” “Donny Metro,” “Two-Cents Metro,” Paul Kelly, Los Gutierrez, and Adam Roberts). “T-Binks” also joined the caravan!!! Thanks to Corey of ESC who helped pick Los up in Manhattan on the way down. Of course, DC United fans were there, too, BUTT (not a typo) you should look at the photos in our “Sights and Sounds” section. Hehe! Special thanks to Johnny Metro who took some great photos, and was hard at work maintaining tradition!

Since this is the year of the World Cup in Germany, for which I recently acquired two Semifinal Round tickets (YEAH! Sorry, but both tickets are spoken for.), some of my posts throughout this year will weave in a USMNT theme, when possible or appropriate. For now, there are a lot of friendlies scheduled, the first of which is not to be televised against Canada. You can check out the schedule here.

Also, even though adidas is the major sponsor for MLS this year, Nike has a great “Don’t Tread on Me” campaign for the USMNT. Check out this multimedia site. I just got the T-shirt, and it is good quality 100% cotton, that is slightly oversized for shrinkage. Seriously, check it out!

Lastly, one of our multi-talented Citizens, Mike “Irish” Apple alerted me to this site, which tracks where MetroStars fans are nationwide. I thought it was cool, so I posted there. You might want to, as well. “Irish” is also the creative genius behind some very unique “things” we have planned for 2006! Speaking of which, our mysterious webmaster, “Hacker Metro” is redesigning MetroNation.net, which will include some enhancements and additional features, which we hope will benefit you and us!

BOTTOM LINE . . . STAY IN TOUCH! ANOTHER THRILLING SEASON IS BREWING!

YIRB,
MetroNation

These are the only three things we can guarantee for 2006, but hopefully nobody dies on the MetroStars roster. Seriously, we know Youri will rendezvous with Red and Black destiny, the Prince of Goals returns to his roots, “The Goose” flies the coop, we waive goodbye to Suarez et al, Big Ben could be the new “Wells’ Bells,” and “El Lobo” is seemingly in “El Limbo.”

Not to fear! The 2006 MLS SuperDraft, sponsored by adidas and broadcast LIVE by Fox Soccer Channel, is here! This will be our first official fan gathering of the year, and it should be quite exciting, as MoJo, Alexi, and their staff work to add to the list of “guarantees” for 2006 . . . like an MLS Cup, maybe??!!!!! Here are the essentials:

When: Friday, January 20; 11:00 AM
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center (Philadelphia), 300 Level Ballroom
What: Two separate terraces outside the SuperDraft Room will be held for fan groups to rally prior to the event (passes needed). MLS will reserve up to 50 prime seats each for DC and MetroStars supporters. MLS will provide 50 MLS/adidas shirts for each of the fan groups. The FSC cameras will cover the groups during the draft, and may seek comments after picks.
How: There is no admission charge to enter the convention center or the ballroom where the SuperDraft will occur.
Other: During the ball and uniform unveiling, adidas will be giving away mini-balls and other gear.

MetroNation will work with ESC and FRI to ATTEMPT to organize a caravan of sorts for all Metro fans. Since it is Philadelphia, public transportation may also be an option for some, with Amtrak seemingly being the most convenient train station to the convention center. We realize that the time of day during the week will be an issue. Regardless, we must represent the Red and Black in the City of Brotherly Love!!! SOME of us must get down there.

According to MFO, here is what we know so far about what picks the MetroStars currently have. Remember! This is all subject to change on the day of the SuperDraft, but should avoid excessive boredom while waiting for MetroStars picks by enabling you to plan better for the day!!!

>> First Round: 5th pick (First Round begins at Noon, with a 5 minute decision window for each of the 12 participating teams)

>> Second Round: 5th pick (overall 18th)

Third Round: NONE (traded) *
Fourth Round: NONE (traded) *

* The MetroStars do have some supplemental picks, but I do not believe that will be taking place on Friday.

Put in for your PTO and let us know how many will be in your party. We will need to secure passes for you IN ADVANCE. So, please do not sit on your thumbs! Get the paperwork and your plans in order ASAP!

YIRB,
MetroNation

PS
I recently received an interesting note from a DC United fan . . . .

“Wed 1/11/2006:

What’s up MetroNation. I just need to say that even though I am a DC United Fan, the MLS needs the Metros to succeed right now, not tomorrow, right now, get your stadium going and win, win, win. Even though I can’t stand you guys, I am really pulling for you to succeed with MoJo. When your team succeeds, so does MLS. Who gives a hoot if San Jose won 2 Cups. MLS is really hurting now and we need some new blood. You are capable of having the best fans in the country, just get it there. And by the way, as much as I love our Freddy, he should have been a Metro. I can’t stand our coach. Good luck MetroNation on your team this year. See you across the stands, here or there. “

Thanks for the kind words, I think . . . We thought “DC Hates Metro” would be the fourth guarantee for 2006, but who knows now . . .??? How can you NOT love the Metros???!!!

PPS

This just in . . .

LIVE online chat to preview the 2006 MLS SuperDraft!