AJAX, BENFICA, PANATHINAIKOS AT 1999 GOTHAM CUP European soccer powers Ajax Amsterdam, Benfica of Portugal and Panathinaikos of Greece will all compete in the inaugural Gotham Cup, to be hosted by the MetroStars at Giants Stadium July 23 and 25. A fourth club will be added in the near future. “Ajax, Benfica and Panathinaikos are some of the biggest names in world soccer history,” said MetroStars GM Charlie Stillitano. “The [Gotham] Cup will be similar to the Parmalat Cup we put together in the summer of 1995, with the four teams competing for the trophy in a total points tournament.” The Gotham Cup will provide the metropolitan area with three special days of soccer, as the MetroStars host the Miami Fusion on July 24 at 3:00 p.m. (ET) live on ABC. Tickets to the Gotham Cup are currently only available by purchasing a MetroStars season ticket, mini-plan or group ticket for the upcoming 1999 season. For further information, fans may call 1-8884METROTIX. AJAX TO PLAY NEW ENGLAND Before heading to the Gotham Cup, Ajax will square off against the New England Revolution on July 21 at Foxboro Stadium. Tickets are currently available as part of the 1999 season ticket package or a special Ajax six-game pack. Individual game tickets for the Ajax match will go on sale April 22 at 10:00 a.m. (ET) through TicketMaster at (617) 931-2222. WIZARDS CALL UP WINNER FOR OPENER With starting keeper Tony Meola questionable due to the lacerated mouth he suffered in the USA-Mexico match and backup Chris Snitko out with an injured back, Kansas City has called up goalkeeper David Winner for the March 20 opener in Dallas. Winner is a three-year MLS veteran who played with Columbus from 1996-98 and with Miami for three games last season. Meola and Snitko are both expected to be available for Kansas City’s March 27 home opener against Chicago.