Goldthwaite's goal stands golden
June 21, 2008
A week ago, the team looked in shambles. Tonight, there is some hope. Last year, Kevin Goldthwaite was deemed as one of the worst players in Metro history. Tonight, he scored the lone goal against Dallas as Metro got back in the win column.
For the first time this season, Metro kept the same lineup in consecutive games. And for the first time in a long time, the team came out firing from the opening whistle. A spry Sinisa Ubiparipovic had an excellent shot on goal in the 7th minute, testing the reflexes of Dallas goalkeeper Dario Sala. Metro kept the pressure on Dallas' suspect backline and were eventually rewarded with a rare goal off a set piece in the 16th minute. The in-form Ubiparipovic again fired on Sala's goal, forcing the Argentinian to concede a corner kick. Taking the corner himself, Ubiparipovic delivered a long arcing ball to the far post, flummoxing Sala and finding the head of an airborne Kevin Goldthwaite. Rising above Blake Wagner, the defender calmly nodded the ball into the net to notch his second goal of the year. Goldthwaite did not have long to enjoy his success, however, as he came off in the 24th minute for Jeff Parke, having strained his hamstring muscles in both legs.
The situation largely remained the same for the balance of the first stanza; Dallas was only able to make a couple forays into the Metro penalty box, each time heading back empty-handed.
A no-hum second half followed; Dallas rarely threatened, with most of their attacks stopping in midfield. Metro had a couple of chances after John Wolyniec replaced the ineffective Oscar Echeverry early in the period. Wolyniec's dangerous header in the 77th minute was parried by Sala; later he was taken down in the box, with no penalty called. But tonight, no second goal was needed, as Dallas had two shots on goal in the entire match. Jon Conway did come up with a point blank save the one time he was called upon.
Metro now embarks on a five game road trip, with one friendly, one open cup game, and three league matches to play before the return to Giants Stadium.
Lineup: Conway, van den Bergh, Goldthwaite, Boyens, Freeman, Mendes, Stammler, Ubiparipovic, Magee, Richards, Echeverry. Subs: Parke, Wolyniec, Sassano.
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