During the middle of the 1996 season, Silvera left the MetroStars to join the U.S. team for the 1996 Summer Olympics. The U.S. went a disappointing 1-1-1 and failed to make the second round. Silvera then rejoined the MetroStars, where it was becoming apparent that he would not become a creative force on the team. Silvera seemed to have difficulty adapting to the professional game and the burden of pre-season expectations wore on him. By the end of the season, the MetroStars coaching staff had moved him to defensive midfielder, but he never adapted to this role either.