Metros clinch playoffs with first win at SJ since 1996
October 5, 2003
Do you remember the last time the Metros won at San Jose? The year was 1996, the home team was called the Clash, and Rob Johnson (Rob Johnson!) scored the lone goal of the game. In fact, the Metros have not beaten this franchise since 1998. Until today, that is. Goals by Amado Guevara and Steve Jolley not only gave the Metros a 2:0 win, but also clinched a playoff berth in the process.
With Richie Williams and Clint Mathis suspended, Tim Regan started at defensive midfield, with Mike Magee partnering John Wolyniec up front. But it was Eddie Gaven, making his third straight start (counting Open Cup), that created the first goal in the 30th minute. After the Metros won the ball at midfield, Gaven one-timed it into the box to an onrushing Guevara, who calmly put it in the net for his third goal in two games.
The Metros played a terrific defensive game, frustrating poster boy Landon Donovan throughout the match. It was a miracle that he wasn't sent off -- twice -- first for a horrible tackle on Guevara that only got him a yellow, then for elbowing Jonny Walker that didn't get him anything but a warning.
But even with MLS refs protecting the league's favorite son, it was not enough. Steve Jolley scored in the 90th minute after a Guevara corner kick to give the Metros a 2:0 lead that would stand at the final whistle. The win was only the third Metro league game this season that ended with a margin of greater than one goal. It also gave the Metros enough cushion over Columbus to clinch a playoff berth with three games left.
Lineup: Walker, Bartolomeu, Pope, Jolley, Leitch, Regan, Clark, Gaven, Guevara, Wolyniec, Magee. Subs: Ziadie, Galvan.
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