It's the Offseason, Now what?
The 1-1 tie with the New England Revolution was the game that cut the MetroStars season
short. But with the long offseason ahead, now what? It appears that Coach Bob Bradley
wants to bring in some players that has helped him reach his success over the years.
His first move was to trade fan favorite Steve Jolley for Tenywa Bonseu from the
Dallas Burn. As a MetroStars fan who began following this team late 1998, I felt
that Steve Jolley was one of the few players that were proud to wear the Red and
Black jersey. This isn't to say that most players didn't want to play for the
Metros, but that Steve was the player that knew his role on the field as a player,
and outside of the field as a role model. I also believe that the defense was the
only part of the team that shouldn't have been touched. But the trade went through
and thats that.
Clark and Amando are locks in the midfield. That leaves two to three midfield spots
not filled. The two obvious spots are the two wings and a possible second defensive
mid. Eddie Gaven could be given the starting role on the left side, but that is if Bradley wants
a 17 year old running his left flank. I like the idea. Gaven is fast player who is very
creative. He isn't afraid of dribbling the ball and taking on defenders one on one. He looks
like a young Tab Ramos with DaMarcus Beasley's speed. Clark could start on the right side. He
played there several times last year, and did a finejob. But would leave a defensive
midfield spot empty. Lisi could start there, but he's not a real defensive midfielder.
That does lead to the Chris Armas trade speculation. Talks have it that either Armas or
Jesse Marsch could be traded over to the Metros to be with Bradley.
Up front is where there needs to be some major addition. Rumors have it that Corrado Grabbi
might be joing the MetroStars. Grabbi, 28, is currently on loan with Messina from the Blackburn
Rovers of the English Premier League. He only managed to score two goals in 30 appearances.
Clint obviously wants to move on and play in Europe, so they can scratch him off the list
of returning players. Mike Magee could be starter next season, after having a fairly nice season
in 2003. John Wolyneic, who recently was called up by Bruce Arena to attend a USMNT camp, will
probably continue his role as a super sub where he was most effective. Jusko will probably
be waived, as will Moreno, who scored only one and two goals respectively.
So as this loonnnggg offseason continues, sit back and wait for more rumors to be created. Or
watch Timmy continue his success over at Manchester United.
