2:3 MetroStars Columbus Faria Diallo McBride Cunnigham West 07.31.02 · League

For the forth time in five games, the Metros allowed three goals, and for the third time in four home games, the Metros suffered a loss, dropping to Columbus, 3:2. Rodrigo Faria and Mamadou Diallo scored for the MetroStars, but it was once again not enough as they played all of the second half with ten men.

The game started on an up note as Diallo earned a penalty kick in the just 3rd minute. After making his last three, he finally failed to convert, but Faria jumped on the rebound to kick it in past the Columbus goalie. Unfortunately, in the 19th minute, the referee decided to even out the PK battle. Columbus got one on a completely phantom dive by Brian McBride, who then tied the game from the spot.

In the 27th minute, Mike Petke was burned once again, and Jeff Cunningham's deft touch poked the ball over Tim Howard for a 2:1 Crew lead. The Metros then went down to ten just before the break as Joe Addo was shown a red card for a horrendously unnecessary tackle at midfield.

Although playing a man down, the Metros came out on fire in the second half, and just ten minutes into it got the equalizer. After an Andy Williams shot that hit the crossbar, Diallo headed it in from close range. Alas, it was not to be, as in the 70th minute the Metro defense was burned once again (this time the victim being Ted Chronopoulos), with Brian West putting in the game winner.

Lineup: Howard, Chronopoulos, Petke, Jolley, Ziadie, Addo, Lisi, Paule, Williams, Faria, Diallo. Subs: Sheppard, Alvarez.