Reyna, 2002

Four years ago, we looked at every Metro who has participated in the World Cup at some point of his career. Now, with another tournament on the horizon (perhaps you've heard?), it's time to revisit the list and add some newcomers. These will fall into two categories: ex-Metros (and one current!) who made this year's rosters, and players who played for Metro since 2006 who made a roster of a previous World Cup.

The first category is, excitingly (and sadly), quite large. We actually do have a current Metro playing, Andrew Boyens for New Zealand (the fact that he's not even close to being first choice for us will be ignored). Boyens is only the fifth current Metro to be named to a World Cup roster (Tab Ramos, Alexi Lalas, Marcelo Vega in 1998, Clint Mathis in 2002).

The US team has five ex-Metros. Tim Howard, who was already on our previous list because he made the roster in 2006 will man the nets. World Cup first-timers Ricardo Clark, Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, and Edson Buddle are all sure to play a major role with the team. Of course, the irony here is that Altidore and Buddle were both strikers on a somewhat weak 2006 Metro team, when Buddle was so terrible that then-16-year-old Altidore pushed him out not only of the starting lineup, but off the bench as well.

The other ex-Metro to take part is Honduras' Amado Guevara. Say what you want about the enigmatic maestro, but we miss him. Still the greatest midfielder in Metro history, who gave us too many brilliant moments to count.

Now for players who fall into the second category. Guevara, of course, was replaced by Claudio Reyna, who made four World Cup rosters (1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006), and was actually named to the all-tournament team in 2002 (the less said about his Metro career, the better). Current Metro Chris Albright was Reyna's teammate on the 2006 squad, but did not play a minute. Two recent ex-Metros played in the 1998 World Cup: Albert Celades earned two of his four Spain caps, and Markus Schopp, who was atrocious during his time here, played for Austria in the tournament.

Of course, coaches must be now added to the list as well. Bruce Arena, US coach in 2002 and 2006, took over Metro shortly after the latter campaign. There are three ex-Metro coaches in this World Cup: Carlos Alberto Parreira is back again, this time leading South Africa. Carlos Queiroz, who bolted Metro after taking over midway through the 1996 season, is now in charge of Portugal. And Bob Bradley, current US coach, brings up the ex-Metro contingent on the current US squad...

Exciting. But also sad.

See the complete list of Metro players and their World Cup appearances.