The Luck Of The World Cup Draw
by Matthew Futterman (Analysis | Wall Street Journal - December 5)
In a celebratory, star-studded World Cup draw here Friday, the U.S. earned a high-profile opening test against England. more details | go to article

Authority Exec In Stadium Talks Walks Thin Line
by Matthew Futterman (Article | Star Ledger - April 4)
A high-ranking state official overseeing a negotiation that would bring a professional soccer stadium to Harrison owns a company that plans to build hundreds of townhouses and apartments near the facility. more details | go to article

MLS' Goals: Stadium And Credibility
by Matthew Futterman (Article | Star Ledger - February 23)
After four years of on-again, off-again talks and unconsummated deals proposals, negotiations last fall for a soccer stadium in Harrison moved faster than a David Beckham free kick. Then this month, state officials told the MetroStars and Major League Soccer they wanted a written guarantee that the league and the team's owner would pay for the $84 million stadium if either entity folded. more details | go to article

State Wants Assurances On MLS Before Building Soccer Stadium
by Matthew Futterman (Article | Star Ledger - January 25)
Negotiations for a MetroStars soccer stadium in Harrison have stalled over concerns from state officials about the stability of Major League Soccer. Officials involved with the discussions said the state is seeking a guarantee from team owners that if the team or the league folds, the state will not end up paying off the entire mortgage on the $84 million stadium. more details | go to article

Metros, N.J. Near Deal For Stadium
by Matthew Futterman (Article | Star Ledger - December 16)
The state and the MetroStars soccer team are closing in on a deal for a new stadium in Harrison, reviving hopes for a project top officials said was all but dead last month. According to two top officials with knowledge of a deal that has become one of acting Gov. Richard Codey's pet projects, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, the city of Harrison and the MetroStars would evenly divide the costs of building an $84 million stadium beside the Passaic River. more details | go to article

Codey Wants New Stadium For Giants
by Matthew Futterman (Article | Star Ledger - November 10)
Senate President Richard Codey, New Jersey's next governor, is planning an ambitious makeover of the Meadowlands Sports Complex, including a new Giants Stadium, a soccer complex for the MetroStars and a minor league ballpark. Codey said in an interview the moves are essential to maintain the Meadowlands' position as one of the country's leading sports venues. more details | go to article

Harrison Plans World-class Site For MetroStars
by Matthew Futterman (Article | Star Ledger - July 12)
The spirit of soccer in the United States can be found at a fenced-in playground known simply as "The Courts" on Frank Rodgers Boulevard in downtown Harrison. It is a place that spawned a generation of U.S. stars, including Tony Meola and John Harkes, who have come from across the region to play in the best pick-up soccer games they could find. more details | go to article

Metros Venture Into Adu Territory
by Matthew Futterman (Preview | Star Ledger - July 3)
It's a safe bet few 15-year-old athletes have had the kind of impact on American culture this year that Freddy Adu has had the past three months. Today, the MetroStars face soccer's star teen for the second time this season, in a game at RFK Stadium in Washington. more details | go to article

English League Adds Exposure
by Matthew Futterman (Article | Star Ledger - May 27)
In an aggressive move to sell British soccer in the United States, the English Premier League extended and expanded its deal with Fox Sports World network yesterday. Under the new four-year deal, Fox Sports World, which has broadcast the English Premier League since 1998, will show as many as 18 additional live Premier League games on Saturday afternoons. more details | go to article