Rain Helps Keep Playoff Dream Alive

By Keith

Entering Sunday's game in second to last place and 9 point out of the last playoff spot in the division, the Metros desperately needed a win versus the lowly Columbus Crew to have any chance at making the playoff this year. The rain proved to be a factor for both the Idiots and the Metros on a game day that last far longer than anyone would have thought.

Due to the prediction of strong scattered thunderstorms and low Idiot attendance, the Idiots decided to tailgate at our new favorite alternate tailgating location, Marina Bar near Giants Stadium. The place is an excellent find by Brian and provides a great place to hang out in either sunny or rainy weather. On hand for the festivities was Brian, Joey, Joey's wife, Danielle, Ronen, and myself. We ate and drink with the locals, while listening to classic music on their outdoor, but covered, deck. The crowd was treated to Ronen performing magic tricks with coins and cigarettes and Brian playing air piano.

After some good food and drinks, we made the two minute drive to Giants Stadium. Coming off a disappointing midweek performance against D.C. United and yet enjoying a 7 game home unbeaten streak, we weren't sure what to expect from our inconsistent MetroStars.

The Metros came on the field playing uninspired and poor soccer early in the match. Former Metro John Wolyniec, making his second appearance with the Crew since being traded earlier in the season, got the Crew on the board with his first goal as a member of their team in the 12th minute to put the Metros down 1-0. At about 20 minutes into the game, the sky began to get really dark. I collected all the Idiots valuables and placed them in a zip-lock bag in preparation for waiting out the oncoming storm. At 21:26, just as it started to rain, the game was delayed due to the threat of thunderstorms. We, along with the rest of the stadium, rushed away from the field to keep safe. We decided to pass the time in section 101 with the Empire Supporters Club (ESC) and spent the next 90 minutes singing songs and waiting for the game to resume.

When the game finally resumed, it was as if another team replaced the Metros during the break. It's not exactly clear what Bob Bradley said to the team during the break, but with his job on the line, it's clear he gave them one heck of a peep talk because they came out as a different team that was energized and ready to win.

The Metros newly founded energy was most noticeable during the second half. Two minutes into the second half, The King chipped a crossed ball by Mike Magee past Former Metro Jonny Walker to tie the game at 1-1. The King has shown a dramatic improvement over his poor rookie season last year, and along with newcomer Youri Djorkaeff, has shown the most persistence and energetic play on the team.

The King helped set up the game winner in the 65th minute. His shot on goal was blocked by the Crew's Chad Marshall only to be rebounded by Youri who kicked the ball into an open net.

The Crew had a few more chances, but we got to see Woly perform like we remembered with his inability to finish.

We finally left Giants Stadium at 9:30 and headed home after seeing a much needed and well deserved victory over the Crew. The Metros have 9 game left; 4 more which are at home.