90th Minute Goal Lifts Metros Over Galaxy, 2-1

Kenny Arena Scores First Career MLS Goal in MetroStars Win; Metros Move into Tie
for Conference Lead

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (Saturday, June 19, 2004) – A dramatic header from Mike Magee in the final minute gave a depleted MetroStars a shocking 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday afternoon at Giants Stadium.

With the MetroStars missing nine players - nearly all starters – due to international duty and injury while fielding the youngest team in Major League Soccer history, Magee's header overcame a controversial Galaxy penalty kick early in the second half which had equalized Kenny Arena's first half goal for the home side.

Magee found space at the back post to link onto a cross from midfielder Gilberto just as the clock ticked over into the final minute. The second-year striker headed the ball down against the turf, across the face of the goal and inside the far right post of substitute 'keeper Dan Popik to grab all three points for the MetroStars.

Metro coach Bob Bradley was missing eight regular starters, and as a result put out a team that averaged 22 years, 138 days in age, surpassing the record they set last week which was two years younger than any other first XI in MLS history.

The first scoring opportunity of the afternoon fell to the MetroStars in the eighth minute as 17-year-old Eddie Gaven made a good run down the left flank, before laying a ball back to forward John Wolyniec, who attempted to re-direct the ball into goalkeeper Kevin Hartman's near post. But defender Danny Califf swept the ball out of danger in his first game back after an MCL sprain in his right knee had sidelined him for the Galaxy's last eight matches.

As the midway point approached, Arena gave the home side the lead when he scored his first professional goal. Magee sent in a corner kick from the left side and Arena made a darting run into the scrum in the penalty area, and the ball ricocheted off his upper body and bounced into the far corner of the goal.

At halftime, Popik came on for Hartman, who suffered a deep thigh bruise on Arena’s goal. The Galaxy backup was immediately served up some good news when Sasha Victorine's cross from the right flank went off the top of Jeff Parke's arm and referee Ricardo Salazar whistled for a handball, giving the Galaxy a 47th-minute penalty kick, despite the vociferous protests from the MetroStars.

Herzog sent a hard shot into the far right corner, beating MetroStars' goalkeeper Zach Wells, who guessed correctly but was unable to reach Herzog's well-struck ball.

The MetroStars then created numerous chances over the final 10 minutes of the game. However, it seemed as though Popik and the Galaxy would escape with a draw until Magee's late heroics put the MetroStars on top.

Source: MetroStars.com

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