1:2 Wilmington MetroStars Files Chung Mathis 06.14.00 · Open Cup

The MetroStars of Major League Soccer defeated the Division Three Wilmington Hammerheads of the United Soccer League tonight, 2-1, through first half goals by Mark Chung and Clint Mathis to advance to the third round of the 2000 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. A record crowd of 5,426 attended the game at Legion Stadium in Wilmington, which was touted by the public address announcer as the "Biggest Sporting Event in Wilmington History."

The MetroStars controlled the midfield throughout most of the first half, but were unable to connect on several through passes in attempting to get behind the Hammerheads defense. The Metros attempted five hard shots from 25 yards or more before Mark Chung finally beat goalkeeper Micheal Rivera inside the box during the 39th minute for the first goal. Tab Ramos began the scoring play by stealing a pass at midfield from Drew Perry. He fed Mark Chung on the left flank for the first goal, a low roller near the left post, which immediately quieted the noisy crowd.

The lead was raised to 2-0 four minutes later when a Steve Jolley throw-in deflected off Adolfo Valencia inside the box to an unmarked Clint Mathis who knocked in the goal past Rivera from five yards.

The Hammerheads had their first good scoring chance in the game as early as the third minute when Jean Kotze's header almost got by Tim Howard during a corner kick. Howard, who saw his first minutes as a Metro this season, recorded four saves in the win.

He was scored against in the 67th minute on a goal by Willie Files who beat an offside trap on a pass from George Corrie to put the Hammerheads on the board.

The Hammerheads almost tied the game in the 89th minute when James Prosser's chip shot hit the upper right side of the crossbar to the dismay of the record crowd.

Lineup: Howard, Petke, Hernandez, Jolley, Dooley, Walsh, Shak, Ramos, Chung, Mathis, Valencia. Subs: Perez, Comas.