Johnny on the spot Retires
Does anyone remember when Freddy Adu scored his first professional goal? It was against Metro in their penultimate season before Red Bull took over. The game started well for home team, but DC took the lead against the run of play. They battled back after the half, with Fabian Taylor scoring the equalizer after coming in for Mike Magee. With the score tied, Amado Guevera sent in a low cross, and John Wolyniec somehow got his head to the ball just before slamming his face on the ground. The goal was probably foolish, but it sums up the kind of player that Woly was. He played with a tremendous amount of heart and would willingly and consistently sacrifice his body for the goal. He will always remain a fan favorite with the club. Woly was one of the hero’s of the Cinderella playoff run of ‘08:
- 2008 playoffs
Woly experienced his best moments just before the end of his career. Metro entered the playoffs limping and only made the post season thanks to DC laying a stinker in the final game of the season against Columbus. The new players brought in by JCO had been colossal busts, and the teams depth looked like it was going to cost the Bulls another early playoff exit. Metro had earned the right to face 2 time reigning champ Houston and expectations were at an all time low. But then something incredible happened. Early in the second half against Houston, Woly was set to receive a throw in from DVDB. It looked like he would trap it with his back to goal, but instead at the last minute, dummied the ball and turned to race to the end line. Before the ball could go out and while it was still bouncing, John sent the ball into the middle where Angel finished the awkward chance. The game ended in a draw when Kei Kamara equalized, but Metro fought and got a good result down in Houston, capped with a wonderful goal from Wolyniec on a great run by Richards that led to the infamous Thriller dance.
Later on, Woly would set up the most important goal in team history. DVDB gets credit for sending Woly and finishing, but Woly did his fair share of hard work on the play. He used his body to shield the defender and then turned to race onto the ball before shooting a hard low shot that Rimando could only parry away.
After hanging on by the skin of their teeth to beat Salt Lake, it was onto the final. Columbus came out flat and nearly conceded a pair of goals, but they managed to keep it scoreless before earning a soft goal from an out of position Danny Cepero. Down 1 at the half, it was Woly again who brought the team back into the game. He is still the only Metro to score in a final of any kind.
Of course, Metro crumbled immediately and lost the game. It was a special time and place for the team, and John Wolyniec will always be remembered as a large part of it. He was never my favorite player, but he will be missed. I hope his experience will lead the next generation of Red Bull stars to many cups in the future.
TO JOHN WOLYNIEC!
GO RED BULLS!
