Slumping Metros shutout by Colorado, 1:0
August 21, 2004
The MetroStars lost their second straight 1:0 decision, as a lone Colorado goal stood up in the thin Denver air. Jordan Cila scored midway through the second half and feeble Metro attempts could not penetrate the Colorado net as the Eastern Conference race tightened up with a key clash against Columbus coming up next week.
With Amado Guevara and Eddie Pope back from national duty, both were expected to regain their usual starting spots. And with Mike Magee getting injured in practice mid-week, Guevara did just that; unfortunately, Pope hurt his hamstring just minutes before the game and was a late scratch, Kenny Arena keeping his place.
Colorado had two glorious opportunities in the first half to open the scoring. First, John Spencer was all alone on the Metro net but shot wide from close range; then, Joselito Vaca came out of nowhere to get the ball from Chris Henderson's feet as the Rapid midfielder thought he had all the time in the world to shoot. Vaca probably had his best game as a Metro, but it wasn't enough.
The Metros, even Guevara, really struggled to create some offense, playing the long ball to little effect. They went down in the 54th minute as Jonny Walker failed to hold a strong shot from Mark Chung; a cherry-picking Cila came in to easily put it into the net.
Fabian Taylor and Sergio Galvan Rey were both brought on with little effect. John Wolyniec, one of many Metros who didn't have the best of games, had his shirt pulled in the box, but failed to fall down so no foul was called. Eddie Gaven had the best chance to tie the game, but Joe Cannon made a huge reaction save in the 81st minute. The Rapids could have easily extended their lead, but the ineptitude of Alberto Delgado (Perez?) kept the difference at one. It's pretty pathetic that players like him still earn money in this league.
Lineup: Walker, Leitch, Arena, Parke, Bonseu, Clark, Gaven, Vaca, Guevara, Glen, Wolyniec. Subs: Taylor, Galvan Rey.
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