The MetroStars today announced the addition of three new players, including Colombian defender Jose Palacios. Palacios, 24, is a defender who has played for Colombian First Division club Independiente Medellin for the past three seasons, notching 14 goals in 152 appearances. “His size alone is impressive,” said MetroStars GM Charlie Stillitano of the 6-1 Palacios. “But his speed and agility make him the complete player. He will be an intimidating force on the backline for us, and his physical and technical abilities should make him one of the premier backs in the league.” “Palacios is an experienced defender for his age,” added head coach Alfonso Mondelo. “I look to him to provide cover and add some bite to our defense, two things that were sorely lacking on this team last year.” Palacios is expected to join the team on Feb. 6 for spring training in Orlando, Fla.
Project-40 Keeper Howard Assigned
The MetroStars also announced that the club has been assigned project-40 goalkeeper Tim Howard of North Brunswick, N.J. The 19-year-old played with the North Jersey Imperials of the USISL. “Tim has a bright future ahead of him in MLS,” said Stillitano. “I expect that he will develop rapidly under the tutelage of a pro like Tony Meola. We hope to foster a student-mentor relationship between these two top goalkeepers.”
CISL MVP Dougherty Signs
The Metros have signed 1997 CISL MVP Paul Dougherty, who scored 50 goals and added 42 assists last season. The 31-year-old has also played for the San Diego Sockers, as well as Wolverhampton Wanderers in his native England. “With the [Shaun] Bartlett and [Antony] De Avila situations unresolved at this point, we thought it was important to find an experienced goalscorer up front,” Stillitano explained. “[Paul] is classified as an American player, which makes us more flexible, and he expertly fills a need for us.”
