The New York/New York MetroStars have picked a familiar face to New York area soccer fans as their head coach.
The MLS club named Eddie Firmani, coach of the NASL’s Cosmos from 1977-1979 and again in 1984, Jan. 3 to lead the club during its first campaign.
At the same time, the MetroStars were assigned Kearny, N.J., product Tony Meola as their second player.
“We believe the additions of Eddie Firmani and Tony Meola to the MetroStars roster are further steps in our assembling the best possible talent to put on the field for our fans,” MetroStars GM Charlie Stillitano said. “With Tab Ramos already in the fold, and the signing of two major international players very near, our team is coming together right on schedule.”
Firmani coached four NASL teams over a nine-year period: Tampa Bay (1975-77), Cosmos (1977-79 and 1984), Philadelphia (1980) and Montreal (1981-82). He won three Soccer Bowls in five years (1975 with the Rowdies and 1977 and 1978 with the Cosmos).
Firmani, a South African native who played professionally in England and Italy, has coached more recently in the Middle East and in the American Professional Soccer League.
Meola started in goal for the U.S. World Cup team in 1990 and 1994, serving as captain of the U.S. team at USA ’94. He spent last summer with the USISL champion Long Island Rough Riders.
There is no word on the names of the two foreign signings. One name mentioned repeatedly is veteran AC Milan midfielder Roberto Donadoni.