How can a goalkeeper who only played in 15 league games, a goalkeeper who never recorded a regular season shutout, a goalkeeper who allowed close to two goals per game hold such an important place in Metro history?

He can, if his name is Danny Cepero.

For in one spectacular month, Danny Cepero rose from nothing and into the Metro lore.

He started 2008 on loan to the minor league Harrisburg City Islanders, but once the USL season was over, came back to Metro. Resigned to spend the year on the substitute bench, Cepero was thrust into action when Jon Conway was suspended for taking illegal substances.

Next is the stuff of legends: becoming the first goalkeeper in MLS history to score a goal, doing so in his debut, a huge 3:1 win over Columbus that ended up earning Metro a playoff berth. Then, an incredible playoff run: two straight road shutouts, while making one massive save after another. First, dumping defending champion Houston 3:0; then surviving against Salt Lake, where a single mistake would have tied the match, taking Metro to its first MLS Cup final.

So who was the real Danny Cepero? The one from a magical run in 2008 or one from a pedestrian-at-best 2009? We might find out one day, but it wont be in a New York uniform.

Oh well. We'll always have that month in 2008.