Newcomers Boost the Metros...and the Idiots too!

By Brian

New Striker Ante Razov's first half double got the Metros rolling and they finished off the Columbus Crew 3-2 for their 2nd home win of the year. Another Metros newbie, Youri Djourkaeff added a 2nd half Penalty Kick (PK) to give the swampland booters the winning margin.

Although the Metros started well, it was the Crew who almost drew first blood. GK Zach Wells stopped a Chris Henderson's PK at the 31st minute after Ex-Metro Striker Cornell Glen, who played well, had drawn the free shot when he burst into the box and was taken down by Wells.

Then, as fast as you can say "Keith I need another Heineken," Ante Razov took a pass from Djourkaeff and sent a low hard shot passed Crew GK Bill Gaudette to break the stalemate.

Razov followed up his opening act with a fantastic/amazing/mind-blowing shot destined for Metro's lore, when he took a pass from reigning MLS MVP Amado Guevara and rifled home a near side blast to give the Metrosa a 2-0 stake. Wow.

At the half, we harassed ex-Metro John "Wolly" Wolniec by chanting "Metro-Reject" as he warmed up nearby. He acknowledged us by smiling disapprovingly as he ran by. It was fun and it made us feel good....and it surely hurt his feelings (just a little?).

After the half, Columbus attempted to steal a tie by twice cutting into the Metro's 2-goal lead only to have the "Bhoys of Red and Black" either restore it (with Djourkaeff's PK) or secure it with some solid defense and goaltending by our ever improving Zachary Wells.

Off the pitch (and more specifically), in the parking lot, Newcomers enlivened the First Row Idiots traditional pre-game party. This hosting "band" of idiots included John and Ofer working hard on the grill, Greg with his Investors Business Daily in hand, Keith and his trusty bottle opener, Ronen fraternizing with a very believable French accent (yes I just used Ronen and the word French in the same description), Joey escorting FRIs Tailgate Hottie of the Year candidate Daniella and yours truly playing my two fisted-Heineken harmonica. FRI Tailgate Rookie Sandi and 2005 Summer First Time arrivals Marc, Donna, Lucas, Peter and Liz brought along plenty of interesting conversation, tasty Pringles chips and their "I do anything for free beer" enthusiasm for a truly memorable outing. Sadly several FRI's - Paul, Drew and Jason - failed to show and missed what is perhaps the most perfect Metros/tailgate/great weather/home win/post-game tailgate good time ever?! The good news is we get try and duplicate/improve on that effort on July 9th!

PS: Sorry to have missed the Hackensack Girls SC match versus Hoboken at Cochrane Field. Forgive me but my wife and daughter had other plans for me on my First Father's Day. Maybe next time?!