Last time Lothar Matthäus was in a MetroStars uniform, the ‘Stars were struggling at 3-6 and Matthäus couldn’t wait to get on the next plane to Germany to go play in the EURO 2000 Championships. Things have changed for the Metros in a big way since then, however.

Tonight against the San Jose Earthquakes at Giants Stadium, Matthäus makes his return, but to a team that is 5-1-1 over its last seven games and one win away from overtaking first place in its division.

“It’s better that they’re a different team,” said Matthäus, who attributes a new approach on the field to the Metros’ surge. “Every time a player comes back after being gone a few weeks, it’s different. I think I understand this new system, and I hope now with this new formation I can make this team better.”

While some critics feel the MetroStars are a better team without Matthäus, the ‘Stars welcome the return of the German native.

“He is a world class athlete,” defender Thomas Dooley said. “If he plays his game, he can be very helpful to us.”