They're long. They're black. They are Paul Grafer's Pants. What can be written about them that hasn't been said already?

September 5th, 2000. With Mike Ammann injured and Tim Howard at the Olympics, Paul Grafer beats out the hopefully-forgotten Russell Payne to make his first start for the Metros. The weather is clear, 64 degrees on a perfect evening. The pants are long and black.

September 20th, 2000. With Grafer in goal, the Metros win their first playoff series ever, allowing a lone goal, a penalty kick. It's a scorching Dallas night, 94 degrees. The pants are long and black.

May 26th, 2001. Bayern Munich, fresh off their Champions League victory, come into the Meadowlands. The result is a historic 2:0 win, with Grafer coming in at the half, shutting one the German giants. It's 63 degrees, humid. The pants are long and black.

September 21st, 2002. With Howard red carded, Grafer starts his first league game in two years, but cannot help the Metro collapse as they crash out without making the playoffs. It's warm, 73 degrees in Foxboro. The pants are long and black.

June 14th, 2003. Howard is on the verge of being sold, and Grafer gets the call against Chicago. The sun is scorching, it's 87 degrees. The pants are long and black. Until halftime, when something changes. The pants are now long and gray. At least for these 45 minutes.

October 25th, 2003. In what is his final game for the Metros, Grafer gets the call in New England as Bob Bradley rests almost every starter. It's clear, 59 degrees. The pants are long and black. Then and forever.