You'll always be a Metro!

For the first time since MLS's inception, the US World Cup roster will be without a current Metro. However, two former MetroStars are named to the team, goalkeeper Tim Howard and defender Eddie Pope. Howard, who left the team in 2003 to sign with Manchester United, has not seen much action this year behind Dutch giant Edwin van der Saar, but was named Premiership's Goalkeeper of the Year two years ago. Pope spent two seasons with Metro before a trade to Real Salt Lake.

"[Howard] showed us what he could do in 45 minutes against Poland," Bruce Arena said. "If you look at that for a guy who hasn't played on a regular basis, it tells you he's pretty damn good. If Tim was a field player, he probably wouldn't be on this roster. But goalkeepers, it's a little different. We know he's fit. We know he's involved with a good club on a daily basis."

In 1998, Metro was represented at the World Cup by Tab Ramos and Alexi Lalas (who didn't play) for the US, as well as Marcelo Vega for Chile. In 2002, Clint Mathis was the lone Metro representative. By the looks of things, unless Abbe Ibrahim can get himself signed -- and then be named to Togo's squad, the 2006 edition looks to be Metro Red free.