The MetroStars have signed former Rutgers player Dustin Sheppard as a developmental player. To make room for Sheppard, the team has released developmental player Birahim Diop.

Sheppard, a native of Belle Mead, NJ who also starred at Hillsborough HS, collected 56 total points (21 goals, 14 assists) over his four-year career at Rutgers, helping to lead the team to the NCAA Sweet 16 this past season. During his junior season in 2001, the forward/midfielder notched 12 goals and four assists (28 points), leading the Scarlet Knights in scoring and earning All-Big East Conference second team honors.

Sheppard becomes the maximum fourth developmental player on the MetroStars roster, joining midfielder Jeff Moore and Nike Project 40 players Brad Davis and Martin Klinger.