Leitch, Clark give Metros last preseason win
April 6, 2003 (Official Game Summary)
Rookie midfielder Ricardo Clark and recently acquired defender Chris Leitch each scored a goal as the MetroStars defeated the A-League's Rochester Raging Rhinos, 2-0, in an exhibition played on a blustery Sunday afternoon at Giants Stadium.
"We moved the ball well and had chances, which was an improvement," said MetroStars coach Bob Bradley. "I was disappointed with the start of the second half, but we continued to improve. It was a good game and a good win in preparing for next week."
Leitch opened the scoring in the 76th minute after guest player John Wolyniec's pass found Leitch in the box. Leitch challenged Rhinos goalkeeper Billy Andracki one-on-one getting his first opportunity deflected, but he made the most of the rebound to score the goal for a 1-0 lead.
Clark put the game away four minutes from the final whistle. Leitch began the play by passing to rookie striker Mike Magee, who then passed to Clark. The Furman product was left unchallenged and charging in the box to fire a hard shot past Andracki for the second and final score of the day.
In the 79th minute, Leitch pulled down Rhinos forward Ian Fuller, who was awarded a penalty kick. Maurizio Rocha stepped up and slotted a shot towards the lower left corner, but MetroStars goalkeeper Paul Grafer read the attempt and saved the shot.
|
