Metros fall flat to Miami, Serna, 4:1
September 2, 2000 (Official Game Summary)
Diego Serna exploded for four goals as Miami earned a crucial 4-1 victory over the MetroStars Saturday night at Lockhart Stadium. The Fusion (11-14-5, 38 pts) now stand just two points behind both Colorado and Dallas for the final two playoff spots with two games left in the regular season for all three clubs. After a conservative opening 40 minutes, the teams combined for three goals just before halftime. Diego Serna got it started in the 42nd minute, earning a penalty kick. Serna was hauled down by MetroStars defender Mark Semioli at the top of the box, as Serna was about to take advantage of a Metros defensive misplay. Serna buried the PK to the left of 'keeper Tim Howard to make it 1-0. Serna quickly made it 2-0, beating an offside trap to break in for his 10th goal of the season. Serna ran onto a nice chip from midfielder Henry Gutierrez behind the Metros defense and tapped the ball around an onrushing Howard for what proved to be the game-winner. The MetroStars (16-11-3, 51pts) pulled one back just before the break, as a second penalty kick was issued. Fusion defender Pablo Mastroeni was flagged for a handball on a cross by Metros midfielder Petter Villegas in the box. Metros' striker Alex Comas connected on the PK for his 10th goal of the year to make it 2-1 at halftime. Serna put Miami ahead 3-1 in the 72nd minute, finishing a 2-on-1 in front of goal with midfielder Jim Rooney. Rooney intercepted a pass in the Metros box and quickly slid the ball across for an easy Serna goal. The Colombian striker would make it 4-1, again with help from Rooney. The Fusion captain pounced on a loose ball in midfield and sprung Serna into the box behind the defense for a clear break in. Serna dribbled around Howard and tucked in his fourth goal of the night, his 12th of the season.
Lineup: Howard, Jolley, Dooley, Petke, Semioli, Corrales, Walsh, Villegas, Chung, Comas, Mathis. Subs: Shak, Valencia, Perez.
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