Barring any further last-minute glitches, the MetroStars’ replacement for injured Clint Mathis will be 31-year-old Brazilian Gilmar. The 6-foot-1, 170-lb. forward/midfielder is expected to arrive in two weeks, and play on loan through December at about $10,000/month.

Gilmar played in MLS for Tampa Bay, but returned to Brazil to play for second division club Sao Caetano, which lost last year’s Brazilian league championship game to Vasco de Gama.

“Stylistically, he’s similar to Mathis,” said GM Nick Sakiewicz, Tampa’s GM during Gilmar’s stay. “We’re just waiting for a release from his club and working papers.”