MetroStars goalkeeper Tony Meola today was selected as the Honda MLS Player of the Week for the final week of the 2005 regular season - Week 29 which ended on Sunday, Oct. 16. Meola earned his second shutout and sixth victory of the season yesterday as the MetroStars defeated hosts Chivas USA 2-0 and in the process claimed the final MLS Cup Playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. This is Meola's fifth-career Player of the Week honor and first since winning for Week 21 of the 2002 season while with the Kansas City Wizards.

In a must-win game for the MetroStars, Meola played arguably his best game of the season since being acquired by the Metros in late June. The 10-year veteran recorded a total of 12 saves and withstood an early barrage from Chivas USA to keep his team in the game. After the MetroStars took a 1-0 lead, Meola made sure it stood as he repeatedly stopped point blank shots, including blasts from Isaac Romo, Matt Taylor and Orlando Perez during the last 30 minutes of the game. Meola also controlled his area, recording the clean sheet despite facing 26 shots and 17 corners kicks from the home side.

This is also the third time the 36-year-old keeper has won the award as a member of the MetroStars, having also won for Week 13 in 1996 and Week 8 in 1998. His fifth award came in Week 15 of the 2000 season while with the Wizards.