Meola vs New England, 2005

Four years ago, when we looked back at Metro playoff history up to that point, we lamented the team's horrible record: one series won, four lost. Since then, it hasn't gotten better. The last four years seem like mirror images of each other, with Metro each time getting in as a #3 or #4 seed in the East, only to lose to the Revs or DC. The record now stands at one series won, eight lost. Will the horror continue or will Metro finally break through against -- who else -- the Revs this year? Before they try, let's look back at the last four playoff appearances. You can review the first four here.

2003:
Game 1 - MetroStars 0, New England 2: Dario Fabbro scores early on to put Metro in a hole. Early in the second, Eddie Pope scores what looks to be the equalizer, but the referee doesn't see the ball go under the crossbar. Late in the game, Metro killer Pat Noonan makes it 2:0.

Game 2 - New England 1, MetroStars 1: Pat Noonan -- who else -- makes it all but academic on a long shot in the 21st minute. An Amado Guevara penalty in first half injury time makes the result a bit more respectable.

2004:
Game 1 - MetroStars 0, DC United 2: In a stunning copy of last year's opener, Metros fall at home to the Scum 2:0. This time, they are victim to a horrific non-call on DC's Earnie Stewart, who, 15 yards offside, takes the ball on the right flank and slots it past Jonny Walker. A clear late penalty that would have tied the match is also not seen, and a Scum goal two minutes from time destroys almost all hope. Your officials on that day: referee Kevin Scott, assistant referee Chris Strickland. May they both be cursed forever.

Game 2 - DC United 2, MetroStars 0: Metro comes out firing, but DC bunkers in, and plays defense for the entire match. Continuing the worst-refereed series of all time, an obvious hand ball on the Scum in the box is not seen. Metros are hampered in the second: Cornell Glen gets hurt after the team already made all three subs. He is forced to limp for 30-some minutes as two late Scum goals paint an unconvincing picture of the match.

2005:
Game 1 - MetroStars 1, New England 0: The heroes on this day are plenty: Amado Guevara for his long shot that beat Matt Reis, Seth Stammler, starting at left midfield for the first time in his career, shutting down Steve Ralston, and Mo Johnston, for his perfect game plan. The team gets its first playoff win in four years.

Game 2 - New England 3, MetroStars 1: Damn it. It was all going so well. Youri Djorkaeff doubles the Metros' series lead in the 59th, but then the wheels come off. Somehow Johnston doesn't want to make any defensive substitutions, and does he pay dearly. First Jose Cancela, then a horrible miscue by Tony Meola on a corner kick headed in by Pat Noonan -- who else -- and then Khano Smith, racing down the left flank to complete the comeback. The horror. The horror!

2006:
Game 1 - New York 0, DC United 1: In a forgettable uninspired match, a late goal from DC, on their only good chance of the game, is the only score. Nothing more needs to be said.

Game 2 - DC United 1, New York 1: But plenty needs to be said about this match, as in a completely reversal of the opener, Metro play terrific soccer, dominating the Scum on every level. Midway through the second, Jozy Altidore heads in a Guevara free kick to briefly give us hope. Sadly, it's for naught, as Jon Conway fails to guard the near post in the 86th minute, and DC eeks out a series win. Sad? Incredibly. Expected? Sadly.