BRADENTON, FL - The MetroStars were defeated by defending MLS Cup champion D.C. United, 2-0, in a friendly played on the campus of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Christian Gomez and Zeferino Soares accounted for D.C.'s goals.
D.C. United took control of the game early and pressured the Metros' defense from the start. Nick Van Sicklen's cross from the right side found Josh Gros open in the box, but Gros' attempt was denied, as Metros' goalkeeper Zach Wells made a brilliant save. However, the ball was not cleared and Gomez knocked in the rebound for the game's first goal.
MetroStars forward John Wolyniec nearly had the equalizer when Amado Guevara knocked a through ball over the United defense. D.C. goalkeeper Nick Rimando attempted to beat Wolyniec to the ball, but Wolyniec reached it first. However, his chip shot did not make it over the head of Rimando, and the keeper held on for the save.
In the second half, D.C. had an opportunity to add to their lead when Jason Thompson had an opening from the left side of the box. But, Wells managed to cut off the angle and Thompson fired wide of the net.
The "Red and Black" had another chance when a D.C. foul on Wolyniec set up an Amado Guevara free kick from 20 yards out. Guevara's bender was on goal, but backup goalkeeper Troy Perkins was able to corral it.
The Metros' best chance to score in the second half came after a Mark Lisi corner kick set up forward Eamon Zayed in the box. Zayed's shot was blocked but it trickled back to Lisi who crossed it a second time intended for Eddie Gaven. Gaven's header did not find the net though, as his shot soared just over the goal.
During the 79th minute, Soares scored the clincher after taking a great feed from Freddy Adu. Soares' shot skidded past an outstretched Wells and went just inside the far post.
The MetroStars, 1-2-1 in preseason action in Bradenton, Florida, will play their final match of their trip on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. versus the San Jose Earthquakes.
MetroStars:
Zach Wells, Abdahame Outtara (Tim Regan 40'), Jeff Agoos (Abdoulaye Ibrahim 60'), Carlos Mendes, Tim Ward, Sherif Toure (Olgierd Moskalewiecz 40'), Michael Bradley, Amado Guevara (Capt.) (Mark Lisi 50'), Eddie Gaven, Mike Magee (Awoudou Moutala 50'), John Wolyniec (Eamon Zayed 50').
United:
Nick Rimando, Bryan Namoff, Bobby Boswell, Mike Petke, Nick Van Sicklen, Ben Olsen, Brian Carroll, Christian Gomez, Josh Gros, Alecko Eskandarian, Jaime Moreno.
Halves were 40 minutes apiece.
