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SLAM! Sports SLAM! Soccer World Cup COLUMNS THE WORLD
INTERACTIVE ALSO ON SLAM! |
Wednesday, August 23, 2000
Wizards 0, MetroStars 0 (OT)Wizards, MetroStars play to scoreless drawEAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Tony Meola recorded his 14th shutout of the season in his own backyard as the Kansas City Wizards escaped with a 0-0 tie with the MetroStars. The Wizards played a tight, defensive game from the opening whistle, seemingly resigned to earning the draw. Both squads managed a handful of quality scoring chances in regulation, but neither side could find the net. Defender Mike Petke had the most exciting chance in regulation, forcing Meola to tip a 40-yard rocket over the crossbar in the 62nd minute. MetroStars midfielder Mark Chung volleyed a hard shot on goal in the second overtime period, but Meola was in position to easily collect the ball. At the other end of the field, Kansas City's Vicente Figueroa threaded a dangerous ball to Chris Henderson inside the box, but Henderson's shot went just wide of the near goalpost. MetroStars 'keeper Tim Howard recorded his fourth shutout of the year. The goalless draw kept two players on the brink of breaking goal-scoring records. MetroStars forward Adolfo Valencia needs one goal to eclipse Giovanni Savarese's team mark of 14 in a season (1997, 1998). Kansas City midfielder Preki's next tally will make him the first player in MLS history to record 50 career goals and 50 assists. The deadlocked also enabled the Wizards to remain one point ahead of the Metros for the top total in the league.
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