Another late goal lets Metros tie Fire, 1:1
August 9, 2003
To achieve something this season, the MetroStars will have to solve the Chicago Fire. This time, they got close. A Steve Jolley goal with just four minutes left in regulation gave the Metros a 1:1 time, the first time they got any points off their Eastern Conference co-leaders.
For the first league game since May, the first-choice central defense tandem of Eddie Pope and Steve Jolley started. Clint Mathis also made his comeback, sliding in for the suspended Amado Guevara in the middle of the field.
Damani Ralph scored the Fire's lone goal in the 22nd minute with a solo effort. Jolley tripped and Jonny Walker stayed motionless as the Chicago striker put one in from a sharp angle.
As often was the case this season when scored upon early, the Metros sat back and let the game come to them. Once again, it was John Wolyniec's substitution into the game for the useless Jaime Moreno that proved to be the catalyst. Wolyniec helped the Metros stretch the field, and the goal came in the 86th. First, Mark Lisi was denied twice from pinpoint range, the second save resulting in a corner kick that Mike Magee took. The ball came all the way across to the other side of the box, where it was met by the foot of Jolley, who knocked in a thundering shot into the Chicago net.
Walker came up big time and time again in the second half and overtime, making up for the goal. The Fire had most of the chances in the extra session, but Metro defense stood tall, preserving the tie.
Lineup: Walker, Bartolomeu, Pope, Jolley, Ziadie, Clark, Williams, Lisi, Mathis, Magee, Moreno. Subs: Wolyniec, Regan, Leitch.
|
