A year ago, the MetroStars were opening the season just hoping to dispel their well-earned reputation as the worst team in the MLS. But after going from worst-to-first in the Eastern Division, they’ll open this season for the first time expecting a championship, instead of trying to avoid the cellar.

The MetroStars host New England Saturday at 7 p.m. at Giants Stadium, and will be among the favorites to win the MLS Cup Oct. 21 in Columbus.

“We’re going to be in the championship game this year. Who we play, I don’t know. If we’ll win, I don’t know. That’s up to us,” said defender Mike Petke, who turned down overtures from several top German clubs to return to the MLS.

His MetroStars rebounded from a last-place finish in 1999 to go 17-12-3 last year. They lost to Chicago in the MLS semis, and said this year they can close the deal.

“Sure, we can beat them. We’re not scared of them,” said goalie Tim Howard, who’ll replace traded Mike Ammann. “They’re definitely the team to beat, but we can beat them. There’s a new fire that’s been lit under us (that) we haven’t had in awhile.”

Forwards Clint Mathis (16 goals, 14 assists) and Colombians Adolfo Valencia (16 goals, 9 assists) and Alex Comas (13 goals, 6 assists) helped the MetroStars score a team-record 64 goals, second in the league last season.

“I definitely think [we can win]. With a team like this, anything is possible,” said Mathis, who has emerged on the National Team. “My focus is a championship. If you don’t win, you’re nothing in New York.”

Comas will vie for playing time in the MetroStars’ 3-5-2 alignment. If they have worries, offense isn’t among them.

Trading Ammann for Richie Williams and getting Colombian Pedro Alvarez has solidified the defensive midfield, behind Tab Ramos, Mark Chung and emerging Petter Villegas. The question is a young back line of Daniel Hernandez (24), Petke (25) and Steve Jolley (25) playing in front of a 22-year-old Howard.

“We’re young, we’re cocky and we’re arrogant. I don’t think it could be more of a positive,” Petke said. “When it’s all said and done, it’s going to be the young guns that people are looking at.”