Pope, Mathis to face old team

When Real Salt Lake kicks off its inaugural season against the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, it will be a homecoming of sorts for several players. Nelson Akwari, Andy Williams, Eddie Pope and Clint Mathis have all worn the jersey of their opponent. For Pope and Mathis, their last Major League Soccer team was the MetroStars, but to these professionals, going back to play their old team is just another day at the office.

"It's going to be fun, but it's not a big deal to me," said Mathis. "Some people might make a bigger deal out of it. I just want to kick off the franchise with a win. It wouldn't matter who we were playing. It doesn't make the game any different."

Pope, who played for NY/NJ the last two years said, "It's just another game, nothing special."

For Mathis, the game will mark not only his return to New York, but to MLS. He played just over three years for the MetroStars, and the team had an astounding 22-0-4 record whenever Mathis scored a goal. With his success, he was recruited and signed to play for Hannover 96 in the German Bundesliga. After struggling with coaches and management during his stint in Germany, he is happy to return.

"I took a year off and it's good to be back, especially in a new city and with a new team," he said.

With that new club, there are differences not only in personnel, but in styles as well.

"People are different anywhere you go," said Pope. "But it seems like this is a really good group. The whole organization seems to be well organized and well run. It is surprising how good things are going considering this is a new franchise."

Mathis noted a major contrast in the coaching: "It's a different attitude with John (Ellinger). It's great. He keeps the mood kind of light as far as putting pressure on you, but he lets us have fun while still maintaining the work ethic necessary for us to be successful."

While there are adjustments to the soccer and personnel, those are minor compared to the shift from a booming metropolis and a city of over seven million people to Salt Lake City and a population around 2 million for the whole state. Those changes however, can also have a positive influence.

"I like it here already," said Pope. "It's a beautiful place. A place that is good for families. People are really friendly and helpful and that makes a big difference. When your home life is good, everything else seems to go well. I've come into a good situation." Pope smirked and added, "Besides, the traffic is much better."

The players may be returning to their old stomping grounds, but it does not seem like there will be too much sentiment weighing on their shoulders.

"I had a great time for 3 1/2 years there , but it's all new and exciting for all of us," added Mathis. "Every organization has a different feel to it from the coaches to the players all the way down to the front office, but this is a great new experience for us. It may be new, but we all realize that we are going to New York to get three points not just for a good show."

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E-mail: mblack@desnews.com