Impotent Metros lose to 10-man Colorado
June 26, 2002
After failing to submit Clint Mathis on their lineup card, the MetroStars saw Colorado score a last-minute goal to upend them, 1:0. The Rapids played most of the game with only 10 men as the MetroStars turned out a horrific performance in all areas of the field.
The tide seemed to turn in the MetroStars favor when Pablo Mastroeni was ejected midway through the first half. Unfortunately, the service from midfield that was so ever-present in the last home game was completely missing, as Mamadou Diallo was rendered useless up front. The Metros had a number of good chances to score, most generated by Tab Ramos' runs on the right side. Their best chance came midway in the second half as Diallo couldn't pick up a loose rebound in the box with only an empty net in front of him.
When the Metros were told that Mathis can't enter the game, on came Byron Alvarez, and the Metro attack died with him. Tim Howard made a spectacular save late in the second half, leaping and removing the ball from the upper 90. The game looked to be headed into overtime, when Chris Carrieri broke free with two minutes left and put one past Howard.
Hopefully, Zambrano won't make the same mistake for the next game, and we see Clint from the opening kickoff.
Lineup: Howard, Chronopoulos, Petke, Jolley, Ziadie, Moore, Paule, Ramos, Williams, Faria, Diallo. Subs: Davis, Alvarez.
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