The Cherubic Assassin has been grounded. Juan Pablo Angel, not only the club's leading scorer of all-time -- but also this year (nine more goals than his closest competitor!) -- has been benched. And oh, does he not like it.

When he came off the bench in Dallas to help score the game-tying goal, there was no famous jump and air slash. In fact, there was no celebration at all. And this week, when asked about his role on the team, Angel brushed off the reporter and walked away from the interview.

Not good. Not... good.

Granted, he hasn't exactly tore it up as of late. His last non-penalty goal coming in Houston a month and a half ago. But this is Juan Pablo Angel we're talking about. Even when he is not scoring, he's contributing to the team, be it with passes, or drawing away defenders, or making runs into space. And being a streaky scorer that he is, he's bound to snap out of the slump, with goals coming in bunches.

If he's given a chance, that is. For it seems clear that Angel is not exactly Hans Backe's favorite. From the rumors -- unfounded or not -- that he was shopped in midseason, to complete silence from RBNY brass whether Angel will be back next year, it seems that it is not if, but when he will be phased out of the lineup.

But if he is not here next year, fine. His contract is up, and it's up to him and the club to negotiate. It is THIS year that we're worrying about. This Metro team, when on (key caveat there), seems unstoppable. It could be destined for great things. And one cannot discount the role of team chemistry in a team's success. Team chemistry that seemed to be plentiful when Thierry Henry was first signed and when Metro was dispatching opponents. Team chemistry which can't be anything but damaged now.

Of course, it's not too late to repair the damage. With Metro's spot in the playoffs all but academic, the last five games of the regular season look to be a dress rehearsal for the postseason. And hopefully, "Clever" Hans will wise up and bring his captain back on the field.

Juan Pablo Angel certainly deserves better than this.