Clint Mathis, who has scored 13 goals for the MetroStars since arriving from the Galaxy in May, set a league record by scoring five in a 6-4 win over Dallas.
SOCCER AMERICA: How has the way you play changed since you joined the MetroStars?
CLINT MATHIS: Maybe IÆm more of a go-to guy in New York than I was in L.A. because of the personnel we had. But, then, I could be hitting better breaks. I sure was getting good ones the other night.
It was just crazy how it ended up. A lot of the guys could have finished them, but they just happened to be rebounding right to me.
SA: You couldnÆt find more different teammates than Cobi Jones and Adolfo Valencia.
CM: Cobi uses his skill and speed to beat players, whereas Adolfo is a pure post-up guy who can turn and beat you.
SA: When was the last time you scored five goals in a competitive match?
CM: Probably never.
SA: You blasted one of your goals against Dallas with your left foot, and took the penalty with your right. Have you always been able to use both feet to shoot?
CM: When I was younger, my older brothers would make me play with just my left foot to make sure I could kick with both feet. Ever since I was little IÆve been able to do it.
I donÆt think about it too much. I feel pretty confident to strike the ball with both feet. ItÆs a big advantage to not have to worry about getting it on your strong foot. To be able to shoot with both feet keeps the keepers on their toes, also.
SA: How much credit are you due for the teamÆs reversal of fortune?
CM: IÆll take the credit that I do my job. ThatÆs what I get paid for. If IÆm put up front to score goals, IÆd better score goals.
IÆm not the reason the team turned around. WeÆve had other additions: Roy [Myers] came, I came, Daniel Hernandez, and Steve Jolley came earlier. The whole attitude of the team changed.
ItÆs definitely worked out better than I ever expected.
by Soccer America senior editor Ridge Mahoney