1:0 New England MetroStars Riley 09.24.05 · League

A week after combining for nine goals, the MetroStars and the Revolution combined for one... And it wasn't the one Metro desired, as they lost on a 85th minute goal. In a physically played game, the defense held strong for most of the match, but it was not to be, as once again, points were dropped late. The Metros lost their game in hand and are still three points behind Kansas City for the last playoff spot, pending the outcome of Sunday's game.

The MetroStars started the same lineup as in last week's thriller, but the team that scored five just seven days ago, could not muster anything. Instead, they elected to counterattack, sat back and let New England have most of the ball. It was all for naught, however, as the terrific play of the Metro back line and Tony Meola kept the Revs at bay.

The Metro best chance came late in the second half as Youri Djorkaeff got the ball at the Rev goalline. With no support behind him, he tried hitting the ball of a Rev defender, and it almost trickled into the net before it was cleared. Moments later, Taylor Twellman pushed down Chris Leitch to win a header, and the ball wound up at James Riley's feet, who knocked it in past Meola for the game's only score.

Perhaps the best part of the match came in the second half when Jeff Agoos cleanly won the ball from Clint Dempsey in the Metro penalty area, only for the Rev midfielder to lie on the field and moan for a penalty kick. The Metro veteran went off on a tirade, berating the pansy.

Referee Brian Hall called a very loose match, allowing the Revolution to get away with murder time and again. Nevertheless, he cannot be blamed for the outcome; the Metros just have to do better. And time is running out on that.

Lineup: Meola, Ward, Agoos, Mendes, Leitch, Bradley, Magee, Guevara, Gaven, Djorkaeff, Razov. Subs: Lisi, Galvan Rey.