Antony De Avila, the diminutive Colombian international striker who made a successful late-season MLS debut in 1996, will be back with the MetroStars after signing a new two-year contract, team GM Charlie Stillitano announced.
De Avila, known as “Pitufo” or “the Smurf”, was obtained by the club on Aug. 14, and proceeded to score six goals in just eight regular-season games. He added a pair of strikes in New York/New Jersey’s first round playoff series against eventual champion D.C. United.
“Our two main objectives heading into this off-season were to re-sign Roberto Donadoni and Antony De Avila, and that is now accomplished,” said Stillitano, who will now concentrate on hiring a replacement for departed coach Carlos Queiroz. “Antony proved he can and will score goals in MLS and established himself as a leader on the field and in the locker room. We are thrilled the fans will get to see him over a full 32-game schedule.
“I am very thankful for this opportunity,” said De Avila. “I am very excited about playing again in front of the Colombian people who live in New York. I hope they come out to the stadium and I hope I can reward them with many goals.”