As last season drew to a close, the MetroStars were on the verge of something special. Then they imploded. After failing to pick up a win in their final three games, the team went from possible MLS Eastern Conference champs to couch potatoes watching the playoffs at home. Players knew changes were going to be made.
“Any time you have three disappointing seasons in a row and the way last year culminated, you figure something is gonna happen,” goaltender Tim Howard said. And it did.
The MetroStars jumped at the opportunity to lure Bob Bradley away from the Chicago Fire and put him in control of a highly talented, yet underachieving roster.
The winningest coach in MLS history, a native of Essex Falls, N.J., replaced Octavio Zambrano after three substandard seasons. The MetroStars sent standout Rodrigo Faria and a 2004 conditional draft pick as compensation.
Giving up Faria will take its toll on the scoring output, but adding a coach of Bradley’s caliber was vital to the team’s future.
“[Bradley] is a great motivator. He gets the most out of his players,” said Clint Mathis, who is finally healthy and ready to reestablish himself as the MLS’ premier forward. “It will be a totally different team with him as the coach.”
But one move wasn’t enough. The MetroStars then cut a deal with arch-rival D.C. United to land stud defenseman Eddie Pope, forward Jamie Moreno and midfielder Richie Williams. The price for the trio was fan favorite Mike Petke, the fifth pick in the 2003 Superdraft and an allocation.
The addition of Pope adds guidance and star quality to a defensive corps that faltered down the stretch last year.
“I am very excited to be here and I look forward to the leadership role that is expected of me,” Pope said.
When the MetroStars’ season kicks off against the Columbus Crew Saturday at the Meadowlands, the high expectations fans have had the past few years will be put on hold.
“We need to gel as a team before anything else happens,” Bradley said. “We need to build a solid foundation from the beginning.”
