The MetroStars Academy Teams

The MetroStars have been the most aggressive MLS team when it comes to establishing player development programs. The MetroStars development system has been in place for the last several years, dating back to its New Jersey Imperials (PDL) affiliation during the early years of MLS. MetroStars developmental teams have produced MLS talent such as Rodrigo Faria (2001 MLS Rookie of the Year - MetroStars), Alecko Eskandarian (No. 1 selection 2003 MLS Super Draft, DC United), Josh Gros (Defender, DC United) and Chris Karcz (2005 Supplemental Draft selection, Chicago Fire).

Who will be the next great player to emerge from the MetroStars Player Development System? That's a question many of the top players from the Tri-State area are eager have answered.

They all dream of making it to the top, which is why they covet a spot on a MetroStars Academy team.

The MetroStars have three Academy teams at the U-14, U-16 and U-18 levels. The Academy teams fall under the direction of Giovanni Savarese, a former MetroStars standout and the club leader in career goals. Savarese is the Director of Youth Soccer & Player Development and is a vital part of the MetroStars commitment to building the finest developmental system is America.

The MetroStars Academy teams compete in numerous leagues and tournaments on the local, national and international levels. The teams consist of elite players from throughout the Tri-State area.

In just a short period of time, the MetroStars Academy teams have enjoyed great success. The MetroStars U-18 Academy team reached the 2004 Dallas Cup Final defeating Universidad de Monterrey (Mexican First Division) and Brampton Rangers (No. 2 ranked U-19 team in Canada) along the way. The 2004 U-16 squad had victories over the Bermudan U-20 National team (3-1, 3-0) and Honduran U-17 National team (4-0).

There are many individual player accomplishments that are noteworthy. The MetroStars are proud to have 17 members of its 2004 U-18 team playing collegially. Fifteen of them are competing in Division I. Six players from the U-16 squad were selected to the U.S. Region I Pool and one player was selected to U-15 National Pool.