The team today announced that it would not exercise the options on midfielders Andy Williams, Ross Paule, and defender/midfielder Marcelo Balboa.

"We decided not to exercise the options on these three players, thereby giving them the freedom to go out and find a better deal in the marketplace," said MetroStars GM/President Nick Sakiewicz. "The move is a part of a decision we have made to restructure our team to prepare for the upcoming season. These three players are terrific and have represented the MetroStars very well. We thought it was in their best interest to free them to pursue contracts with other clubs. We wish them the very best."

Andy Williams totaled two goals and 13 assists in 19 games as a Metro following a May 24, 2002 trade with the New England Revolution.

Ross Paule totaled 31 games with two goals and three assists after joining the MetroStars on August 9, 2001, in a trade with the Colorado Rapids in exchange for midfielder Steve Shak and a 2002 second round pick in the MLS SuperDraft.

Marcelo Balboa saw limited action (right knee bone bruise) in 2002. He joined the MetroStars on January 11, 2002 from Colorado in exchange for a third round pick in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft.