1:2 Dallas MetroStars Rodriguez Mathis 2 09.20.00 · Playoff

The MetroStars won a postseason series for the first time in club history, downing Dallas 2-1 Wednesday night at the Cotton Bowl to sweep the quarterfinal series. The Metros reached six points in the series, after winning Game One 2-1 in overtime.

Clint Mathis was the hero of tonight's victory, scoring a pair of goals as the MetroStars advanced to the MLS Cup 2000 Semifinals. The Metros will face either Chicago or New England, with that series' winner to be determined in a decisive Game Three on Friday at Soldier Field.

Mathis put the Metros up 1-0 in the 53rd minute, finishing off a nice combination from Roy Myers and Adolfo Valencia. Valencia controlled the ball at the top of the box and slid a pass to Myers on the left wing. Myers one-time a floating ball to Mathis on the right wing. The Metros' top scorer volleyed the ball past Burn 'keeper Matt Jordan for his second goal of the postseason.

Dallas' comeback bid was dealt a serious blow in the 66th minute, when midfielder Chad Deering earned his second yellow card for a tackle from behind on MetroStars' midfielder Tab Ramos. Once the Burn went down a man, the Metros played an effective possession style down the stretch.

The Metros made it 2-0 on a quick counter attack in the 80th minute. Valencia played a perfect through ball to a streaking Mathis at the top of the box. Mathis took a dribble and ripped a shot that Jordan dove to make a strong save on. However, Mathis pounced on the rebound and poked home his second goal of the night give the Metros a two goal edge.

Mathis has scored 14 goals in his career against Dallas and currently leads all postseason scorers with three playoff goals. The standout striker set and MLS record with five goals in a 6-4 Metros win at Dallas in the regular season on August 26.

Dallas did get one goal back in the 83rd minute. Metros defender Mark Semioli tripped down Antonio Martinez in the box, leading to a Jorge Rodriguez penalty kick goal.

Burn rookie Aleksey Korol had the first real goal scoring opportunity of the contest, missing an easy chance in the 12th minute. Martinez broke free down the left wing and squared a ball into the box for Korol near the penalty spot. Korol blasted a shot from ten yards well over the crossbar.

The contest was very physical, following the tone set in Game One at Giants Stadium. Myers was taken off the field in the 58th minute after a rough challenge, while Burn defender Eric Dade left at halftime with a left calf pull.

Lineup: Grafer, Jolley, Matthaus, Petke, Walsh, Villegas, Ramos, Chung, Myers, Mathis, Valencia. Subs: Dooley, Semioli, Comas.