The MetroStars missed the playoffs last year, but that’s ancient history under new coach Bob Bradley.
He’s aiming to make his team more dangerous. He’s aiming to win the Eastern Conference.
“It’s certainly something we’re shooting for,” the hometown coach said as his team prepared for its first visit to the new soccer stadium in Los Angeles and tonight’s game there against the Galaxy.
“It’s a goal,” Bradley added. “We want to finish first and secure home-field advantage.”
The Metros are currently tied atop the East with the team Bradley coached last year, the Chicago Fire, with Chicago holding a game in hand. The Metros followed up their recent seven-game road run, in which they went 2-1-2 in MLS games and 2-0 in Open Cup matches, with Wednesday’s 0-0 tie against Kansas City at Giants Stadium. Then, they had to make another cross-country flight.
“I would say we’ve had a tough schedule; still, I’d say I’m very pleased with our overall effort,” Bradley said.
The Metros, who have scored only one goal in their last three MLS games, will again be without key forward Jaime Moreno (back), while defender Edgar Bartolomeu is questionable after he had to be wheeled off the sweltering field Wednesday with leg cramps.
“These things go in streaks,” Bradley said of his team’s scoring troubles. “We always feel we want to be a little more dangerous, crease more chances every game. It’s something we can improve on.”
It might make the difference in bringing home a title.