KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Clint Mathis scored in the 87th minute
and backup goalkeeper Tim Howard recorded his third shutout in four
appearances as the New York-New Jersey MetroStars beat the Kansas
City Wizards 1-0 on Saturday.
It was the first home loss of the season for Kansas City, which
leads Major League Soccer's Western Division at 11-3-5. The
MetroStars (11-7-2) lead the East.
Mathis' goal was set up by a long pass from Tab Ramos, springing
Billy Walsh along the left flank. Walsh sent a crossing pass to
Mathis at the top of the penalty area, leaving Mathis with a clean
shot on net.
It was the first goal allowed by Wizards goalkeeper Tony Meola
at Arrowhead Stadium since Kansas City's season-opening 4-3 victory
over Chicago on March 25.
Howard made seven saves. He has allowed just one goal while
starting in place of the injured Mike Ammann.
The game was played in sweltering conditions, with the
temperature nearing 100 degrees.