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| Friday, September 14, 2001 24:14 EST |
MetroStars: 2001 Outlook
[ESPN.com news services]
The MetroStars underwent a remarkable transformation in 2000, going from last place to their first Eastern Division championship. After finishing with the second-worst record in the league in 1999, the Metros went 17-12-3 last season and advanced to the MLS Cup Semifinals.
Clint Mathis is a key figure for coach Octavio Zambrano. |
Head coach Octavio Zambrano and general manager Nick Sakiewicz continued to tinker with the roster after the season, adding a pair of skillful midfielders. U.S. National Team defensive midfielder Richie Williams came over from D.C. United, while the Metros landed Colombian midfielder Pedro Alvarez to help generate more offense through the midfield.
The acquisition of the two new players was made possible by the trade of veteran 'keeper Mike Ammann, which now leaves 21-year-old Tim Howard as the undisputed starter in goal. A member of the U.S. Team at the 2000 Olympic Games in Australia, Howard excelled in nine starts for the MetroStars in 2000.
The team returns all of the key pieces to their offense and defense from a year ago. Up front, U.S. National Team forward Clint Mathis will look to build off his breakthrough performance of the last campaign. Mathis is supported by Colombian strikers Adolfo Valencia and Alex Comas, who each had solid first campaigns in MLS last season. On defense, All-Star Mike Petke heads a solid group of young defenders. Steve Jolley made 27 starts a year ago, while Daniel Hernandez returns from a serious knee injury.
Key Additions:
M Richie Williams, M Pedro Alvarez.
Key Departures:
G Mike Ammann, D Lothar Matthaeus, D Thomas
Dooley.
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2000 MetroStars Leaders
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Goals
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16, Adolfo Valencia
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Assists
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13, Clint Mathis
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Points
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41, Adolfo Valencia
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GAA
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1.61 Mike Ammann
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Keep an eye on:
M Tab Ramos (two goals, 10 points in 20 games last year) shook off several injury-plagued seasons to return to form in 2000. The creative midfielder, who was recalled to the national team last year, has retired from international duty in part to concentrate on playing for the Metros. F Clint Mathis (16 goals, 14 assists) became one of MLS' top scorers a year ago and finished third in the league's Honda MVP voting. GK Tim Howard (1.59 GAA, 4 SO) is considered by many to be MLS' next standout goalkeeper and will get his first chance as a full-time starter. D Daniel Hernandez, who was named to the 2000 East All-Star squad before suffering a season-ending injury, will anchor a defense that will be without retired stars Lothar Matthäus and Thomas Dooley.
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