When the MetroStars host Chicago today (4 p.m., ESPN2), it will be the first time Bob Bradley has coached against the Fire club he led to MLS and U.S. Open Cup titles. But he has far more pressing issues, like keeping his team rolling despite being all but decimated.

After having their seven-game unbeaten streak snapped last Saturday in Kansas City, the M’Stars are at a crossroads. Facing injuries, suspensions and absences, they could start as many as five rookies.

With Tim Howard and Clint Mathis at the Confederations Cup for the rest of the month and Eddie Pope out with a fractured kneecap, they’re bereft of their three best players. And with Howard set to depart for Manchester United, they’re desperately searching for a keeper.

Backup Paul Grafer – the only keeper in team history to win a playoff series (in 2000) – will start the rest of the month; if he doesn’t impress, the M’Stars might try to get Colo Colo’s Johnny Walker, Reading’s Marcus Hahnemann or Joe Cannon, formerly of San Jose.

“I can’t fill his shoes; I don’t know many who can. Hopefully, I’ll fill the role to a level to keep this thing going,” Grafer said.

With three of five forwards out – Mathis, injured Jaime Moreno and suspended John Wolyniec – Bradley may have to make 16-year-old rookie Eddie Gaven the youngest player ever to appear in an MLS game. If not, he could move midfielder Amado Guevara to forward, or start rookie Jacob LeBlanc.