News (11/19)

retnicf · Nov 19, 2002

Soccer: Mathis takes new U.S. role to heart Star Ledger

After final year, Mathis set to fly NorthJersey.com

Mathis also is looking ahead. He said he and MetroStars GM Nick Sakiewicz have cleared the air, and the hiring of Bob Bradley as coach has Mathis excited about the 2003 season.

"Beforehand, there was an attitude around the organization that no one cared. It was just a downward spiral," Mathis said. "We just needed a change in general. With Bob coming into the team, it gives me a whole new outlook. It uplifted a lot of guys' spirits. You can see the organization was making changes and trying to improve."
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Gamblor · Nov 19, 2002

From the NorthJersey article:

Sure, Bob Bradley is the type of coach players would do anything to play for and yes, Mathis and Bradley have a good relationship. That isn't the issue. The issues are that Mathis is dying to play in Europe, where he can fully display his skills, and he has just about had it with MLS.

"We're done talking," said Mathis of contract negotiations with the league. "They had their chance and right now I just want to take a break, come back and play the way I know I can. From there my options will be wide open."
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This just reinforces what Mathis has said in other articles. This is probably the last year we'll have Mathis on this team and in the league. Hopefully, it will be a great year for us.