2013 was pretty good. Oh, sure, the year ended with yet another playoff failure, but so what? The Supporters Shield, the team's first major trophy, won in such an emphatic fashion, made what followed that more palatable. It wasn't perfect of course. But good? Pretty darn good.

Let's hope 2014 is even better.

The stage seems to be set. Titi Henry, still producing moments of magic, in what could be his final season. Tim Cahill, increasing his influence week after week. Jamison Olave, the best defender in the league. The core of the team all returning.

Of course, we've been all fooled before. The magical team of 2000 was doomed by one injury early in 2001. The trip to the final in 2008 was followed by the doom and gloom of 2009. In this league, nothing is a given, nothing is a guarantee...

Let's say goodbye to 2013, the best year in Metro history.

Let's say hello to 2014, and...

Hope.