"Not that Milutinovic's rescue plan is based just on smoke and mirrors. Last week he not only ran the MetroStars through their first two-a-day practices all season but also sidled up to rookie defender Mike Petke and in five minutes changed the way Petke plays. Instead of defending with his body turned toward the sideline, he now faces attackers head-on. 'I'll stick with it,' Petke said. 'Bora knows what he's doing.'"-Sports Illustrated

"I'll never play soccer if it is just a job. Even if you lose 10-0, you still wake up the next morning. I love what I'm doing"

"Nothing against Europe, but I'm an American. I want to play here"

(last three all by Mike Petke from Kick! Magazine)

"I am very pleased with our players, especially with Mike Petke, who did an outstanding job on defense." -MetroStars former coach Alfonso Mondelo, after NY/NJ defeated Chicago on April 17, 1998

"Petke + Start= Win: The MetroStars have won three of their past four games with rookie defender Mike Petke in the starting lineup. Petke made his MLS debut in a 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire on April 17 and has started each game since."-www.metrostars.com

"The last-place Revs came into the swamp tonight looking for their first win in 7 games. They got close, but were buried by the MetroStars Rookie of the Year candidate, Mike Petke."-Dan Ryazansky, after June 24th game against New England

"Popular MetroStars Defender Mike Petke, 22, will not only be on hand to help hand out jerseys but also autograph sports schedules and talk with the teens. 'Youth sports programs need support in order to give kids the best chance to participate and succeed,' said the two-time NECC Defensive Player of the Year. 'I didn't have a lot of opportunities in such programs growing up, so it's nice to see a company like Image Builders taking an interest in helping to promote the future of these kids. I'm really looking forward to participating in the presentation.'" -Michelle Morris, "Words and Music"

"...the MetroStars were able to count on rookie sensation Mike Petke in defense...to make major contibutions as the Metros make their run toward the '98 playoffs in October."-Freekick Magazine