What a ride the 2003 season was for the Metro and a bigger ride for the club
and their supporters was reaching their first cup final of any kind in US
Soccer.

There was a sure feeling but still a bit nervous against the Mid-Michigan
Bucks holding on to that one nil lead but towards the end of regulation
three more goals were registered with a Metro squad that was missing Clint
Mathis on National Team Duty and both Eddie Pope and Steve Jolley on the
Disabled List. That's where Amado Guevara held his own and Jonny Walker
coming home and right off the bat the 3rd round of the US Open Cup would be
his fist big test.

4th round down by two goals on the road against the Columbus Crew the
defense was able to score the goals as well as a little help from the ref
giving a straight red to Brian West as Steve Jolley nailed one and Captain
Eddie Pope with two to send the boys into the Quarterfinals.

With Clint Mathis scoring a wicked bender past Adin Brown, but allowing a
late goal in halftime by the Revs. Hearts were pounding as Amado Guevara
right place at the right time waited to pounce on the rebound and score the
golden goal to push the Metro into the Semi-Finals against DC United. Down a
goal Guevara would register two of his own. United down a man due to a Red
Card was able to tie it up but the magic of John Wolyniec able to deflect a
shot by Ricardo Clark and the ball went inside the near post sending the
Metro into the Cup Final.

But sadly losing to the Chicago Fire, one goal was all that was needed to
end a tremendous US Open Cup season. Can Metro do it again in 2004? We shall
see.