It had to happen. After two long years our Mighty Metros have finally found a way to put out the Fire. And in doing so, have given Coach Bradley his 100th career MLS victory (which is a first for the league!).

The Tailgate

Absentee Members: Joey (off in a foreign land - probably), Drew (at another wedding - probably), Greg (serving out his self-imposed exile), Jason (at his wife's friend daughter's surprise 2 year old birthday party).

Special Attendance Award: Brian receives this award for somehow being able to find a way to make this Metro match while his wife is FULL-TERM carrying his progeny.

This week's tailgate was split between Bazookas and our alternate metro parking lot location due to a vastly improved weather picture (thanks Keith!). Our Bazooka experience had all the sights and smells of past visits to this Hooters-wanna-be establishment until we were gifted with the presence of The King of Goals, Sergio Galvan-Keith . Keith, in serving out his one match wager, mustered an inner found courage to not only wear this hot head gear for the tailgate, but for the entire match, the way home to Hoboken, and out that night in Chelsea (I am told.) Thanks to Audyeah John (and wife?) for the fine looking mullet hair piece.

Having arrived at our new parking lot location in the swamp, our team set out to quickly establish camp and continue our over indulgent beer consuming tendencies. Since this was "Columbian Heritage Night" Audyeah John showed his pride in his country recent success at the Copa America (with a fourth place finish) by wearing their colors . Feeling flush with Columbian success on the pitch, Audyeah and Paul challenged Ofer and his two young guns to a hard fought game of 2 vs. 3 that was remarkable in the fact that Paul didn't twist, rip, or strain any ligaments or tendons.

The Match

Upon arriving to our seats we were greeted with a most amazing site: Miss Brazil was kicking out the first ball to Keith's MetroDog . The truly breathtaking vista was created by the bulging roundness of her most female of forms. Some girls get it and some don't, and this girl got way more junk in that trunk than I thought humanly possible. With continued drinking, the Idiots were in good voice, led by Ronen and Brian, shouting words of encouragement to our lads ("Come on Johnny, you have to OWN that box") and slurred insults to any Fire scum that would venture near.

Our Metros opened strong and had most of the early possession with Woly coming close from the right hand side after a deft first touch sent him in alone on goal. Unfortunately he sent his shot wide of the far post. Mid way through the first half our boy Eddie made his first defensive blunder of the season and it was a corker! A blocked shot sailed high looping into our six yard box where Gaven completely missed his attempt at a header. With the ball bouncing at his feet and the spin carrying the ball over his head again, he stumbled to turn and flailed a boot at it. With the Fire's captain Chris Armas on his back that second whiff was all that was needed as Armas blasted the first goal of the game past the helpless Walker.

Fortunately for Eddie and all the Metro faithful he was able to redeem himself at the end of the first half. Having played a nice give and go, Eddie streaked into the top of the box and was taken down at the heels setting up a PK opportunity for our Captain AG. AG buries the PK in his customary spot, upper left, for the third time in three games! The second half opened like the first with the Metros controlling much of the play. About the 70th minute a quick pass from Gaven to Magee in the middle allows Mike to turn and release Woly down the left beating his marker. As Henry Ring rushed out to cut the angle Woly half chips, half shoots for the upper far post for his 5th game winner this season. Much cheering ensued!

(Note: Danny [Szetela] boy was at the stadium but has yet to get the call to wear the Red & Black!)