0:2 New England MetroStars Comas Villegas 07.15.00 · League

The MetroStars moved 12 points clear in the Eastern Division with a 2-0 victory over New England at Foxboro Stadium Saturday afternoon. Mike Ammann made four saves as the Metros (12-7-2) won their fourth straight game.

Alex Comas and Petter Villegas each scored as the MetroStars extended a club-record with their fifth straight road victory. Ammann, making a successful return from a back injury, recorded the fourth Metros' shutout in five games. The veteran goalkeeper's best stop came in the 36th minute, when he dove to block an attempt from Revs striker William Sunsing, who was sent in all alone into box.

The MetroStars capitalized on a Revolution defensive breakdown to score first, just three minutes into the game. Metros defender Daniel Hernandez sent a long free kick toward the top of the box, where Revs defender Brian Dunseth misplayed a header, allowing the ball to squirt free to Comas.

Comas quickly chipped the ball over the head of New England goalkeeper Juergen Sommer, who was caught off his line. Comas' goal, his fourth of the season, put the MetroStars up 1-0.

The Revolution (7-9-5) spent the rest of the first half on the attack, but couldn't earn an equalizer. New England began the second half strong, but again failed to bury their chances. Revs striker Wolde Harris had the best opportunity in the 53rd minute, dribbling through the box and around Ammann, only to send a shot over an undefended goal from 10 yards out.

The Metros found an insurance goal in the 62nd minute, as Villegas finished a nice one-two passing combination with Adolfo Valencia. Valencia forced his way through the center of the Revs defense, laying off a pass for Villegas to tap in on the right side.

The MetroStars were playing without two top offensive threats, as both forward Clint Mathis and midfielder Tab Ramos are with the U.S. National Team in World Cup qualifying action. New England was again without the services of high-scoring midfielder Ted Chronopoulos (hamstring) and newly-acquired forward Eric Wynalda (calf). Another new acquisition, striker Jose Luis Morales made his MLS debut just after halftime, and had one impressive 20-yard volley turned aside by Ammann in extra time.

New England forward Jamar Beasley was taken off on a stretcher after a scary collision with MetroStars midfielder Billy Walsh. Walsh, who received a red card, went shin-to-shin on Beasley, who ended up landing on his shoulder and head. Beasley was taken to a local hospital for precautionary x-rays.

Lineup: Ammann, Corrales, Jolley, Hernandez, Petke, Villegas, Chung, Myers, Walsh, Comas, Valencia. Subs: Shak, Dooley, Perez.