If you've read MetroFanatic over the past few years, you probably know that we're not quick to jump to conclusions. We try not to panic after big losses, and try not to celebrate after big wins, for if history has taught us anything, there are bigger losses on the way, and big wins turn out to be temporary. So even after Metro's blazing start this year, we try to remain cautious. And even after the team's defense has been torn to shreds the last few games, we try to remain optimistic. Still, there is one thing to be greatly excited about this year.

Juan Pablo Angel. The Cherubic Assassin.

Ronaldo, Figo, Vieri, Rivaldo, Cisse, Salas, Delgado, Navia, Tristan, Edmundo, Fowler, Wanchope, Zidane... Just a sampling of the names on the rumor mill over the past year, and that's just the tip of the iceberg of the players RBNY had contacted or inquired about. At the end, they settled on Juan Pablo Angel, a player whose best years were supposedly behind him, a player who lost his form, a player who couldn't score on a penalty kick.

And just two games into his Metro career (for who saw his debut in the Open Cup in LA, other than the grainy Youtube footage of his terrific free kick goal), some were already calling Angel a washout. In that home and league debut against Colorado, Juan Pablo saw little of the ball, had no real chances, and the team lost a lifeless stinker. And comparisons to the most recent in the failed run of big-name Metro #9s, Sergio Galvan Rey, started. For not all fans are as patient as we try to be.

For Sergio Galvan Rey he wasn't. A week later, he intercepted a lackadaisical pass and got his first league goal in the trashing of Columbus. Then, two goals in a triumph over Chicago, including a juggling act on his second that fooled the Fire as if they were schoolchildren. And now, his total stands on eight goals in seven games (subtract one from each to get his league numbers), he has scored in five straight games, and shows no signs of stopping.

Take the Toronto game. A completely apathetic Metro team gets few chances early on, but when they do, it's Angel's head that gets on top of two corners, barely missing. And then, a curving free kick, and a couple minutes later, a pounce on a deflection, and just like that the Cherubic Assassin turns a loss into a win. Angel 2, Toronto 1.

And it's his opportunism that makes him stand out even more. Even in the two recent losses, when the midfield seemed reluctant to play any balls forward, Angel converted basically the two good chances he had. No, those goals didn't turn losses into ties, but it gives us hope, for when the team doesn't play well, as long as Juan Pablo gets an opportunity, just one opportunity, we have a chance.

And yes, the season is just one third over. And yes, the injuries are catching up and the defense looks in shambles. But with Angel, we always have a chance. Ronaldo, Figo, etc? They can take their massive contracts elsewhere. For we're incredibly happy that Red Bull spent $1,593,750 this season to pay Juan Pablo. For that $1,593,750, turned into the Cherubic Assassin, give us a chance.