The first two MetroStars' preseason training sessions are in the books and once again Amado Guevara was not at the Giants Stadium practice bubble Thursday morning.
But MetroStars president and general manager Alexi Lalas said he has heard from Guevara's "people" that the former MLS MVP has been held up in Honduras with visa concerns.
"The latest indication we have is that Amado is experiencing some delay in getting his visa," Lalas said. "We understand that and we can accept that as a plausible reason for him not to be here."
If Guevara does join the Metros, it would likely be Monday in Florida, where the club begins its second leg of preseason training in Bradenton.
"I've been corresponding with his people and different people within MLS and within our organization have different contacts down there to try and get a hold of him because he's not the easiest guy to get a hold of," Lalas said. "From what I've heard back, the feedback we've gotten, is that he is en route. I'll believe it when I see it."
According to Guevara's agent, Patrick McCabe, Guevara's P-1 visa approval notice was sent to Honduras today but the hearings are only held on Wednesdays. There's usually a three-week wait at the U.S. Embassy, McCabe said, but he said Guevara is in the process of securing an appointment.
"Ideally, he will be in Bradenton next Thursday or Friday at the earliest," he said.
And when Guevara shows, be it in East Rutherford or Bradenton, Lalas said he plans on sitting down with him to discuss his absence.
"Ultimately, I have to sit down with Amado and make sure that is and was the situation," he said. "If it was, we understand that. We're not happy about it but things happen over the course of doing business."
Lalas and Guevara have been embroiled in an international war of words that stemmed from Guevara playing a friendly match with his former club, Motagua of Honduras.
Responding to sharp criticism by Lalas, Guevara told two Honduran newspapers he refused to play for the MetroStars as long as Lalas was in charge. McCabe said the club was trying to trade Guevara and there have been rumored deals with FC Dallas and Chivas USA.
But McCabe said Guevara is looking forward to putting his differences with Lalas aside and rejoining the MetroStars.
"I spoke to him about an hour ago and he is looking forward to coming back and playing with the MetroStars," he said. "He seemed in good spirits and excited."
Dylan Butler is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
