Mike Petke lived through the curse as a player.
As a middling defender, the rookie Coach of the New York Metrostars was more known for his fiery temper and his ability to read the game than he was for the stunning runs and the natural scoring ability of his opponents. But, he lived through the “Oh so Metro” curse.
In their 18 year history, no matter how good the squad on the field was, or how close they were to greatness, something would inevitably stop the Metros from reaching their goal. Thus, in their 18 years, the Metros/Red Bulls have never won any piece of silverware – not one Supporters Shield and not one MLS Cup.
It has been as if some higher power has had it in for the club all these years.
The Red Bulls supporters groups hold on to the story and wrap themselves up in it, hoping against hope that someone will one day break the curse. The chants and songs which are proudly sung for the full 90 minutes every home game are often about the Metros, not the Red Bulls. Walking around the South Ward, many supporters still wear Metrostars jerseys, defiant of the company that bought and rebranded their original club, housing them in a beautiful arena where they are the main attraction.
And here we are, once again, with the club on the brink of greatness.
Sunday’s match against the Chicago Fire will not be an easy one. The Fire are seeking a playoff berth and are in with a single win. Their offense is shifty, and the Red Bulls are still not completely healthy. Left back Roy Miller is still injured, as is Australian international David Carney with natural right back Brandon Barklage looking to make his second straight start on the left.
But, this has been the story so far for these Red Bulls, hasn’t it? Thierry Henry has spent time in the medical bay, and Tim Cahill may not have any ligaments left to tear this season. Bradley Wright-Philips spent forever sitting in limbo while his visa paperwork got straightened out before, frustratingly spending more time sidelined with an injury. With that said, the Red Bulls have put together a near flawless (2nd half of the season, with the only exception being the second half against the New England Revolution. With one single win, they will write their names into history and earn their club the Supporters Shield, as well as home field advantage throughout the playoffs. If they make it that far, that includes the MLS Cup final, as well.
One single match, 90 minutes, and if they are in the lead at the end of it, expect the Red Bulls party to start.
The buzz is palpable. People who would normally be paying attention to New York football, or hockey, or post-season baseball, or even pre-season basketball, have been coming up to me and asking about the Red Bulls. For the first time ever, New York sports radio has taken notice – Hell, Boomer and Carton even stated that they would be coming to the match on Sunday. It may not be much, but it’s a start. The match is almost completely sold out, with the entire lower bowl, South Ward included, sold out since just after the Red Bulls capped off a 3-0 road win against the Houston Dynamo last weekend.
So, here’s my take on this – IF the Red Bulls earn their first piece of silverware in club history, and IF they can win the MLS Cup, I think it may be time to bury Metro. Just like the New York Rangers buried the 1940 Garden Curse with their Stanley Cup win in 1994, and the Red Sox dumped the Curse of the Babe, it may be time to close the book on the New York Metrostars and the Oh So Metro curse.
I am aware exactly how big the IF’s are in that previous statement but there is an electricity and a hope around this club at the moment. They have survived major injuries and their goalkeeping and depth is solid whilst they also seem to be peaking at just the right time. Time will tell if these bawdy dreams are realized and we can all go home happy on Sunday evening.
But, make no mistake, these Red Bulls may not be so Metro after all.
Main photo credit: MattBritt00 via photopin cc
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