2:3 MetroStars Chicago LeBlanc Guevara Razov 2 Ralph 06.14.03 · League

It's going to be a long month. Playing without Clint Mathis, Eddie Pope, and Tim Howard, the Metros allowed the first three goals of the game to fall to Chicago, 3:2. Paul Grafer started at goal for the first time this year. Even though he did not play horribly, he did allow the three goals that gave Chicago the win.

Also making his debut was 16-year-old Eddie Gaven, who became the second youngest player to appear in an MLS game. Gaven, who partnered another teenager, Mike Magee, was often effective but could not produce a goal in his 77 minutes of action. In other lineup changes, Mark Lisi regained his starting spot from Jose Galvan and Joey DiGiamarino returned to left back after his injury.

It was ex-Metro Andy Williams whose three assists paced Chicago. In the 31st minute, he left the Metro defense looking, passing the ball to Ante Razov, who slotted it past Grafer. In the 61st, Williams found Damani Ralph, who beat Grafer, who overcommitted himself by coming out. Just five minutes later, it was Williams to Razov again as the latter's rocket ended up in the upper left corner of the Metro net. Grafer, who switched from black to gray pants at halftime, could not do much about that one.

After Jacob LeBlanc scored his first MLS goal, running onto an Amado Guevara cross to cut the lead to two, Guevara tried to retrieve the ball for a quick re-start. In a horrible unprofessional display, Fire goalie Zach Thornton pushed down Amado into the net, somehow escaping the wrath of Brian "Blind" Hall with only a yellow card. Guevara did get a small measure of revenge, converting a penalty kick four minutes into injury time.

Juan Forchetti made his Metro debut as a late sub for Kenny Arena.

Lineup: Grafer, DiGiamarino, Jolley, Arena, Ziadie, Clark, Williams, Lisi, Guevara, Magee, Gaven. Subs: Galvan, Forchetti, LeBlanc.