It's Official. http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20050630&content_id=35089&vkey=pr_mls&fext=.jsp Glad he's back in the league. I like the guy. I have no no idea why people still hate him so much. Or why KC decided to keep an inferior keeper and let Meola go.
I like Meola too. I think his play in MLS Cup 2000 is still the best game by a gaolkeeper since the league began. Maybe KC didn't get rid of him, maybe he could tell the KC ship is sinking and he wanted out.
its nice seeing him back but i dont really get the move by the metros...i felt they already had a pretty sound keeper this season in Wells...buuuut maybe its just a way to help grow Wells with a proven vet like Meola... i still dont see why columbus didnt make an offer for him...they've had some serious keeper issues this season....i guess Meola's asking price was a little much for them or something...
Meola made it clear before the season that he wanted to re-sign with the Wizards. He's made his home in Kansas City and he has complained about not being made an offer by Wizards management. HSG is selling the team and its only interest right now is spending as little money as possible. Meola was a victim to that strategy, but in no way did Meola bail out.
First, the league pays his salary, not the Wizards so not signing him doesn't save HSG any cash. Second, the Wizards decided before the sale of the team not to re-sign him. Still, you are right that Meola's initial preference was to stay with KC.
Unfortunately it was. It very well might have been the best game by an individual in this league since it's inception. Rat bastard Meola.
BREAKING NEWS: A day later, [Metro] completed a deal with the Crew that sends goalkeeper Jonny Walker to Columbus in exchange for a 2006 fourth-round supplemental draft pick. http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20050630&content_id=35114&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp