Metro press release: http://www.metrofanatic.com/mf/story.jsp?ID=1625 MF tribute: http://www.metrofanatic.com/mf/story.jsp?ID=1626
Paul "Pants" Grafer Retires This came out of the blue. No specific reason given as to why he retired. He's only 29 and could have been the Metros life-long back-up if he wanted. When Channel 12 news used to do the Metros weekly shows, I know they mentioned he was a cooking fanatic, so perhaps he's opening his own place? So long Paul. http://www.metrostars.com/ Overall in MLS play Grafer competed in 19 MLS games (17 starts), compiling a 3-15-0 record with a 2.93 goals against average and two shutouts. “I have been lucky to have an eight-year career playing professional soccer,” said Grafer. “I have no regrets and appreciate the opportunity the MetroStars gave me to pursue my dreams, but now I am very excited to transition to the next phase of my life.”
he got a record, Grafer remains the only goalkeeper in MetroStars history to win a playoff series MetroStars goalkeeper Paul Grafer announced today that he is retiring from professional soccer to pursue a career in coaching and business opportunities. Grafer remains the only goalkeeper in MetroStars history to win a playoff series, when he defeated the Dallas Burn in the 2000 MLS Cup Quarterfinals
Good Luck No surprise. 29 years old, college graduate, probably making MLS minimum, not much more. Tiime to get on with life. Good Luck Paul
Good luck to Paul, and thanks for all of his contribuitions to Metro over the years. But, truthfully, we needed a better backup keeper anyway.
My first question for Bob/GM at the off season meeting was going to be why we aren't using the backup keeper spot to develop a young keeper, as we did with Howard, instead of using it on a career backup (no offense to Grafer, who is a great guy, or to his pants, or to his mother (whom I've met at a soccer game and is also very nice)). Clint Baumstark anyone?
I followed Paul when he was with LI. He had an awesome last season with them. He led the team past Rochester (the playoff champs) in the regular season. But he was called up to Metros late in the season for backup and when he came back down, he wasn't the same in the playoffs. I think he needed to play constantly to show what he could do. Anyway, thanks for being there and being a great team player. Sorry to see you move on, but I know it is best for you to do so.
One really classy guy. Good luck to Paul in whatever he does next. As for the actual Pants...they will always be. When their travels are done, let's hope that some room can be made for them above the bar at Nathan Hale's.
Pretty much the same plus some extra info http://www.oursportscentral.com/release.cfm?releaseid=50316 Good luck, Mr. Grafer... Since this offseason will be a long one (like all others) maybe we could still follow those Metro players going to UAE...if you get Galavision that is....
So, we get an allocation, right? Just kidding. My friend played for CPR against a team with Mark Semioli and Brian Kelly last weekend, so maybe those around NY will see Pants again.
He is a very decent stand up guy. I once sent him a email, we both come from the same town on Long Island (Port Washington) , he responded back, ultimately met my son's after a game. With all the knuckleheads involved in sports, it was nice to see a seemingly good guy. He indeed will be missed.
I'm wondering how Grafer's MLS record can be 3-15-0 including two shutouts. In the 2000 playoffs against Dallas, wasn't he the winning keeper twice by 2-1 scores? Or doesn't his MLS record include playoff appearances? Also, isn't Grafer the ONLY MetroStars keeper with a winning playoff record (2-1-0)? Just askin'.