The day was bound to come. The day when the last MetroStar exits the door.

John Wolyniec, Seth Stammler, and Mike Petke retired last year, leaving Carlos Mendes as the lone survivor from the days of the red and black. And while his departure is not 100% official yet -- there is still a chance, be it a small one, that he will be back next year -- the title of The Last MetroStar is all his.

Seven years Carlos Mendes spent with this franchise. He served under six head coaches and six general managers. He's seen it all: the good, the bad, and the ugly. He never scored a goal. He played in 166 games, third overall in team history. He started in Metro's lone MLS Cup. He did everything ever asked of him.

There are still some ex-MetroStars peppered around the league. Mike Magee was essential in LA's MLS Cup triumph. Jeff Parke is a major part of Seattle's success. Eddie Gaven is still going strong in Columbus. Brad Davis had a terrific campaign in Houston. Daniel Hernandez has found the fountain of youth in Dallas. Chris Leitch, Tim Ward, and Zach Thornton are still hanging on. Perhaps Mendes' MLS life will continue with another team as well.

Or perhaps not. We don't know what the future holds for Carlos Mendes. What we do know is how thankful we are for his service here. And how sad we are that the last MetroStar is no more.