MetroStars Drop 1-0 Result to Wizards

“Red and Black” Slip to Second Place in Eastern Conference

KANSAS CITY, MO (Saturday, September 4, 2004) –The MetroStars dropped a 1-0 result to the Kansas City Wizards on Josh Wolff's eighth goal of the season tonight at Arrowhead Stadium. With their loss, the MetroStars drop to second-place in the Eastern Conference with 33 points, one-point behind the Columbus Crew.

The Metros played the match having only three substitutes due to various national team commitments and injuries. Their starting squad featured a youthful backline featuring dual 23-year-old's, Kenny Arena and Jeff Parke.

Kansas City missed midfielder Kerry Zavagnin due to U.S. national team duty, but the team also was without injured goalkeeper Tony Meola and midfielder Chris Klein. The Wizards also learned that reigning MVP Preki is done for the season as he will undergo surgery soon to tighten up his left ankle that was injured during the preseason.

Both teams came into the match leading their respective divisions, but they only combined for four wins in their last 10 matches. With each team hoping to get on a roll as they entered the stretch run of the season, play began with urgency but lacking in polish.

The first half began with multiple crosses being played into the box by the Metros, which could not be connected. Play began to open up slightly however as the Wizards' used a handful of through balls testing goalkeeper Jonny Walker's ability to anticipate and snuff them out.

After the teams shared possession early in the half, the Metros began to sustain their attacks and the Wizards began to employ their classic counterattack game. Kansas City began with a quick interchange in the midfield that culminated with a nicely weighted ball from forward Josh Wolff through to Jack Jewsbury. Jewsbury passed on his chance to catch the onrushing Walker off balance, instead taking a few touches and then shooting directly to Walker near the top of the box.

The MetroStars' best opportunity came in the 31st minute as Sergio Galvan Ray unleashed a blast from near the top of the area forcing Kansas City 'keeper Bo Oshoniyi to leap to his left to deflect the ball out of play. The Wizards countered in the 43rd minute with the lone goal of the game as Davy Arnaud fed Matt Taylor, positioned at the top right of the Metro's box. Taylor looked to fire but spied Jose Burciaga Jr. overlapping on his left. Burciaga received the pass and struck a shot on goal that Walker could only parry to Wolff, who drove the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.

Seventeen-year-old Eddie Gaven nearly brought the MetroStars level in the 51st minute at the top of the penalty area as he juked K.C.'s Francisco Gomez to the turf and fired a right-footed shot headed for the bottom left corner of Oshoniyi's net. Oshoniyi got a piece of the shot, forcing it over the endline.

The MetroStars came close to an equalizer multiple times in the second half. In the 83rd and 89th minute, Tim Regan's blistering shot and Fabian Taylor's toe poke were great chances for the Metros, but not enough to beat Oshoniyi.
Guevara and Glen Lead MetroStars in 2-1 Win Over Kansas City Wizards

Source: MetroStars.com

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