Birhaim Diop, Robert Glownia, Fausto Klinger, Rubens Neto, and Alan Villegas joined the squad as MetroStars announced their roster for the 2002 preseason that will take place in Florida (Feb. 6-19) and Italy (Feb. 22-Mar. 5).

The preseason roster currently consists of 20 players, but as many as five to eight more will be arriving throughout the preseason looking to claim a spot on the official squad, which kicks off the 2002 MLS season at Giants Stadium on March 23 against the New England Revolution.

The team departs tomorrow for Bradenton, Florida to train daily at the IMG Academy.

The MetroStars, following their trips to Florida and Italy, are planning on playing several exhibition games in the tri-state area as they prepare for their March 23 home opener. Details are currently being finalized for an exhibition in New Haven, Connecticut on Friday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m. ET against Division II power Southern Connecticut State University.

Player           Pos.  Ht.      Wt.     Birthdate      Last team
Birahim Diop     D     6-3      178     2-1-79         MetroStars Black
Robert Glownia   D     6-5      200     7-28-71        Garfield Vistula
Fausto Klinger   D     5-10     172     11-4-76        Connecticut Wolves
Rubens Neto      F     6-0      170     5-1-78         MetroStars Black
Alan Villegas    M     5-8      155     11-10-74       MetroStars Black