Metro Memories: Mathis Scores Five

By: Dave Martinez | March 31st, 2009

You know, maybe it is a symptom of a young league, but let’s be honest; no team in the MLS does much of anything to honor its past players, unless they carry the name Etcheverry or Valderrama (and even they get a lukewarm reception!). And it is a crying shame.

As a sports fan, my fandom is defined by the efforts of individual players that pushed themselves to great lengths in order to keep my attention and enthusiasm. Those efforts get lost in this ever growing and expanding league and I want to do my part to highlight these people and their efforts to an audience that may not know much about the roots of their teams existence.

“Metro Memories” is not a shot at the current organization and its ownership; frankly, I believe Red Bull has already done far more than what the Metrostars ever offered its fans. What “Metro Memories” will be is an homage to the players and moments that have created the foundation for this franchise, whether as a Red Bull or a Metrostar. (besides, Metro Memories has a ring to it!)

And we will start this thing off strong – with Clint Mathis scoring 5!

Background: (August 26, 2000)This game was significant in many ways. It was the first (and only) time in MLS history that one man scored 5 goals. It was also the first (and only) time that the Metrostars / Red Bulls have ever clinched the Eastern Division Regular Season Title (with 51 pts. already accounted for in late August). It took a late goal by forward sub Adolfo Valencia to seal the victory late, as the Red Bulls defeated the then Dallas Burn 6-4.

BTW – Mike Petke was on this team, starting no less. How is that for tying the past in with the present?