Chris Henderson

The MetroStars' preparations for the 2006 season began in earnest with the team's first preseason practice on Wednesday. With the exception of a few absentees, most notably midfielder Amado Guevara (more on that later), the majority of the players were present to begin training for the upcoming season.

The morning started off with stretching and some basic drills, eventually leading into a nine-on-nine practice game. The players were split into two sides, one wearing yellow vests (which consisted primarily of what would be considered the "first team" players), the other wearing orange and featuring GM Alexi Lalas at center back. Star midfielder/forward Youri Djorkaeff ended up playing for both sides, roaming freely as an attacking midfielder for whichever side had possession. Djorkaeff, who has moved his family permanently to New York, was coy about whether or not he was starting his final season playing professional soccer. "Don't start again, just for one day," he pleaded. "In my case, every day is a good day. You never know when it's finished," said the Frenchman. A spirited session allowed the club and media to get their first real look at the new players brought in during the turbulent Metro offseason.

Breaking down the yellow side, a few players stood out; fans wondering if first overall pick Marvell Wynne truly possessed the exceptional attributes that have been afforded him by draft pundits and soccer analysts alike need not worry. Wynne's blazing speed and physical stature were on display for all to see, the rookie connecting well with new Scottish import Peter Canero on the right wing. Wynne sounded confident afterwards. "I felt comfortable right away," he said. "If I keep staying in this environment all the way through, I think I'll be able to adjust." Canero showed the abilities of a versatile player, going forward into the attack then retreating to defend almost effortlessly.

On the other side of the pitch, veteran midfielder Chris Henderson appeared to live up to his billing in every way, making quick, incisive runs and delivering the ball to the strikers with incredible accuracy. Even though it is still very early, it appears entirely likely that at season's end, trading second-year defender Tim Ward for Henderson will prove to be the key move the club made in upgrading its roster. Even with a season of MLS play under his belt, it is difficult to imagine Ward offering as much to this revamped MetroStars lineup as Henderson seems capable of. Head coach Mo Johnston would later say about Henderson, "You know what you're always going to get with Chris. A lot of people say he's a 35-year-old with a 30-year-old body, and he's very fit." French trialist Elie Ikangu also made an impression, frequently earning praise from Johnston. Ikangu, while lacking in size and stature, appeared to have a real nose for the ball, repeatedly winning it away from opposing attackers and subsequently starting the attack with accurate passing. Ikangu also showed an ability to get forward, contributing to the attack alongside fellow countryman Djorkaeff. In new acquisition Thiago Martins, the Metros appear to have acquired a player who is capable of fitting into the second forward role next to Mike Magee or Djorkaeff; should the club opt to spend the remainder of their cap space on midfield and defensive help, they could do worse than to give Martins a look in the first eleven. Tall, physical, and showing some skill on the ball, Martins is perhaps capable of being the target man Johnston desires, and can use his body to clear out space for the finesse-oriented attacking tandem.