Metros win first preseason game, top DC Scum
February 16, 2004 (Official Game Summary)
The MetroStars earned their first win of the preseason today with a 1-0 result over D.C. United in a 60-minute scrimmage at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Peter Ofori-Quaye notched the game's lone goal.
The MetroStars took to the attack from the outset of the contest, with Michael Bradley and Ofori-Quaye using good skill to control the midfield. The tandem produced two good scoring opportunities for Olivier Occean in the match's first 15-minutes, but the Metro were unable to convert.
The attacking nature paid off for the Metros when veteran defender Chris Leitch stole the ball and sent it to Michael Bradley. Bradley continued the counterattack by sending a great ball over D.C.'s defense, which hit Ofori-Quaye in stride. Ofori-Quaye used skill to dribble past D.C.'s goalkeeper Troy Perkins, and put the ball in the back of the net to give the MetroStars the lead.
D.C.'s best scoring opportunity of the match came in the 25th minute when 14-year old Freddy Adu broke free with the ball inside the MetroStars 18-yard box on the right side. He was met however by a charging Zach Wells who was able to smother Adu's shot.
In the second half, the Metros made some personnel changes, however the team's attacking nature remained. This time is was Mike Nugent who was working with Jacob LeBlanc to produce many of the team's chances. Though the Metros were not able to tally a second score, the offensive work, coupled with the defensive efforts of Leitch, Jeff Parke and Tim Regan, were enough to preserve the 1-0 win for the Metros.
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