Mathis, Magee Lead MetroStars Over Colorado 2-0

DENVER – Forward Clint Mathis netted a goal in his third consecutive game as the MetroStars (4-1-1, 13pts) blanked the Colorado Rapids 2-0 at Invesco Field at Mile High on Saturday afternoon. The MetroStars are now 20-0-2 all-time when Mathis scores a goal and the Georgia native, who netted his second consecutive game-winner, will look to match his career best four-game goal-scoring streak (2001) next weekend.

Colorado (0-4-1), which has accumulated one point in three home games, is still winless on the season and lost its third straight match. MetroStars goalkeeper Tim Howard recorded his third shutout of the season in the process and 15th of his career.

The Rapids played inspired soccer in the first half and came close to scoring on several occasions including on a shot by midfielder Chris Carrieri in the 13th minute which finished high of the crossbar. Colorado would strike the crossbar in the 28th minute on a solo effort by forward Zizi Roberts who spun in the box and lofted a shot which hit the woodwork and bounced on the goal line before being cleared. In total the Rapids outshot the MetroStars 9-5 in the first half with a 5-1 advantage in shots on goal.

The MetroStars were forced into defending for most of the first half and lost central midfielder Richie Williams due to injury (tendon strain in left big toe) in the 28th minute. Rookie Tim Regan took his place at defensive midfield while MetroStars playmaker Amado Guevara was forced to fend off several physical challenges designed to foil his creative runs.

But the MetroStars, who were increasingly dangerous toward the end of the first half, would take the lead just six minutes after the break through a goal by Mathis. The U.S. National Team striker sent a low diagonal shot from the top of the box through the legs of defender Robin Fraser and into the back of the net inside the left post. It was Mathis' third goal of the season.

The Rapids, who were playing without suspended Pablo Mastroeni, saw Roberts fall to injury in the 55th minute with rookie Casey Schmidt replacing the Liberian striker. Schmidt had the best opportunities for the Rapids in the second half with a 56th minute strike which hit the left side netting and a 59th minute header that struck the right post.

A stunned Rapids squad would concede a second goal moments later in the 60th minute as MetroStars forward Mike Magee sent home a rebound of a Guevara shot which was parried away by Rapids goalkeeper Scott Garlick. It was his second tally of the campaign.

With nine minutes remaining in the match MetroStars defender Joey Digiamarino, who was making his first appearance against Colorado since leaving the club after the 2000 season, received a second yellow card for a foul on Chris Henderson. The Rapids, who had brought on forward John Spencer and midfielder Alberto Rizo in the second half for more attacking punch, were unable to capitalize on the one-man advantage.

The MetroStars will look to extend their winning streak to five matches next Saturday, May 24 at home against the Dallas Burn (7:30PM ET).

MLS Man of the Match: Amado Guevara (MetroStars)

www.MetroStars.com

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