Amado Guevara. What can be said that hasn't been said before? One can talk about the moments of brilliance, or the whining, or the goals, or the red cards, or the superb passes, or the indifference... At the end, let's focus on the positives. For as Amado rides into the California sunset to rejoin his old boss Bob Bradley, let's not dwell on the bad things. Let's remember him the way he was at his best.

He was at his best in the 2003 Open Cup run, scoring four goals (one of them a golden goal against the Revs in the quarters, two against DC in the semis) as Metro made its way to their first final ever. He was at his best during the early summer of 2004, scoring in five straight games and dominating MLS like no Metro before him other than Clint Mathis. He was at his best from the penalty spot, burying kick after kick, even as goalies knew where he is going -- to his left, their right. He was at this best with his two sublime top-corner late goals in 2005, the winner against Chicago and the equalizer against Chivas. He was at his best down the stretch in 2006, concluding with the clutch hat-trick in the must-win finale versus Kansas City.

And now he is gone, with a Designated Player spot coming back, with promises of a world superstar coming our way. And who knows, maybe our Metro bad luck streak will be broken, and whoever comes will set the league on fire. And who knows, he might lead Metro to something that escaped Amado for these past four years, postseason success. But... who knows.

Goodbye, El Lobo. If you're not the best Metro ever, than definitely in the top three. Goodbye. You'll be missed. On your best days.