The struggling expansion A-League team Puerto Rico Islanders is trying to get help from MetroStars. According to reports published on the Island´s mayor newspaper, the local team is asking for a friendly game against the MetroStars to be played at Giant Stadium in mid June. They would like to get affiliated with the Metros and loan players among each other. I think both teams can benefit greatly from this agreement, that still has to be approved by MLS. With Brazilian, Argentineans, USA and Puerto Rican players, the Islanders have been able to attract attendances comparable to winter baseball games (5K per game) and excellent local media coverage, even with a so far poor record of 0 wins, 2 ties and 5 losses. MetroStars could use a game or two to tap the huge Puerto Rican population of the tristate area and widen its fan base.
The Metro should jump all over this joint. ANd they should schedule a game in Columbia U. Even with turf I think its the best place to hold that friendly. The game will get lost in Giants Stadium and wont have the same atmosphere. I mean I dont expect more than 7K to go to this game, so why even pay the fees. Plus more Ricans in the Bronx & Manhattan.
Wow, 5K per game. As a Boricua and someone who has spent a lot of time down there, I'd often wondered about how an A-league and even an MLS team would do there. I also fantasized about being wealthy, investing in bringing an MLS team to San Juan, and settling down there and being the founding father of Puerto Rican soccer.
i would welcome this, it looks like you need help in your defense how about we loan ou Kenny Arena????
A better question is (and I'll use a line by the infamous Raekwon the Chef): Will there be any Butter Pican Ricans there watching the games in PR or at Columbia U?
According to the newspapers in Puerto Rico, Gustavo Schodbauer (PR Islanders) suggested the date June 15 and Giant Stadium to Orlando Conguta (MetroStars). By that Tuesday, Metros should be back and rested from the game of the Saturday before against San Jose. I think the date is the best for both teams, because they'll be able to get some free publicity during the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, scheduled for June 13, the Sunday before and the next scheduled games for either team is June 19. What I'm not so sure about is the venue. They should consider other smaller fields closer to the core of the Puerto Rican communities.
This is a good idea. Find a place in NYC though, and try to get the caribbean population involved. Some of you would be surprised to see how many Dominicans and Puerto Ricans actually like soccer. There's a chance Metro front office! fans to exploit, hello there...!!!
I have seen the PR Islanders play. I now live about 5 months of the year in San Juan and I was able to see their first game vs. Toronto. A very good and spirited turnout at the municipal stadium in Bayamon. Do to work I was not able to get to any more games before returning to NYC. But from what I saw I would expect the team to be doing better on the field and at the gate before long. Just need to tweak a few things.