In 2016, Sacha Kljestan tallied 20 assists, the first player in MLS history to do that since the legendary Carlos Valderrama in 2000. Last year, he led MLS in assists once again. Kljestan's chances created numbers also topped the league. It is absolutely clear that when he is on his game, Metro was able to score in bunches... and Metro won.

And yet...

Over the past three seasons, teams, especially in the playoffs, have figured out how to defend Metro: stifle Kljestan, and the attack fizzles. With Sacha serving as a focal point off the offense, stopping him stopped the flow. The supporting cast around him has never been able to pick up the slack. Kljestan has also visibly slowed down over the last couple of seasons; the legs are clearly not there anymore.

And yet...

Kljestan's three years in a RBNY uniform will forever be fondly remembered. Not just for the Supporters Shield of 2015, but for running the offense for three mostly-successful years in a way not seen before in club history. Those perfect passes, slid through the defense to be delivered on the forward's foot were often magical.

And yet...

Kljestan's last act as a Metro player didn't come on the field. It came at halftime in the tunnel, when his role in the fracas led to him (and Toronto's Jozy Alditore) being sent off in the second half of the playoff encounter. Metro ended up winning the game, but lost the series on away goals. Like the rest of Sacha's tenure: they won, but it wasn't enough.

And yet...

He will be missed. So long, Sacha. So long, mustache.