Horrible Metros trashed by Chicago, 2:0
April 20, 2002
Although they still lead the East, the Metros lost their second straight home game, falling to the Fire, 2:0. The MetroStars played for most of the game with 10 men as Tab Ramos was ejected midway through the first half in his 101st regular season appearance with the team.
Coming off two straight road wins, the Metros seemed destined to take their third straight game. But it was not to be, as their offensive problems became transparent -- Clint Mathis is being completely wasted in midfield, and this time, it showed. Neither Diego Serna nor Rodrigo Faria could produce upfront, and the Chicago midfield stiffed the Metro attack through most of the game. Clint did have the best chance for the Metros, as his free kick was parried by Zach Thornton in the 40th minute.
Chicago got on board in the 26th minute, beating the Metro offside trap. Kelly Gray received a pass from Ante Razov, and although Tim Howard got his fingers on it, the ball tipped off them and ended up in the net. Six minutes later, Ramos received his red for a tackle just outside the Metro penalty area. Tab threw his captain's armband at the referee in disgust.
Although MetroFanatic usually abstains from bashing referees not named Brian Hall, the refereeing in this game was atrocious, with Kevin Stott being anything but unbiased. Chicago then got some breathing room in the 80th minute, as DaMarcus Beasley got the last goal of the game.
A two-year old streak ended in the 9th minute of the game, as Steve Jolley had to leave the field after straining his hamstring. Up to that point, Steve had played in every single minute of league, playoff, open cup, and Merconorte action since joining the team.
Lineup: Howard, Perez, Addo, Petke, Jolley, Hernandez, Ramos, Villegas, Mathis, Serna, Faria. Subs: Forko, Alvarez, Davis.
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