EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Midfielder Mark Chung scored in the 78th minute to lead the New York/New Jersey MetroStars to a 2-1 victory over the Miami Fusion at Giants Stadium on Saturday night.

The heated game between the two top teams in the Eastern Division included 40 combined fouls, six yellow cards and two red cards. Miami played at least one man down for more than half the match.

The MetroStars improved to 10-7-3. Miami (12-4-5) holds an eight-point lead over New York/New Jersey.

The MetroStars opened the scoring in the third minute when forward Adolfo Valencia passed the ball through a pair of Fusion defenders. Forward Rodrigo Faria accepted the pass at the top of the 18-yard box, maneuvered to his left and scored past Fusion goalkeeper Nick Rimando.

In the 36th minute, Miami's Ivan McKinley was sent off for his second yellow card of the match, issued for grabbing the jersey of Faria.

Fusion head coach Ray Hudson then brought in defender Brian Dunseth for Lazo Alavanja to bolster the Fusion back line.

The teams shared chances and tempers flared late in the half.

The MetroStars had a pair of scoring chances late in the first half.

In the 41st minute, Chung headed the ball wide left off a corner kick. In first-half stoppage time, Villegas shot over the crossbar from the 6-yard box.

Miami did not get a shot on goal in the first half.

Miami tied the game in the 48th minute on a fancy touch by forward Preki. Forward Alex Pineda Chacon's attempt to pass to Serna was poked away by MetroStars defender Orlando Perez. The ball bounced to Preki, who scored on a chip from 22-yards past MetroStars goalkeeper Tim Howard.

In the 78th minute, midfielder Daniel Hernandez picked up his team-leading fifth assist as he served the ball to Chung on the left side. Chung scored from 18 yards on a shot through the legs of Miami defender Carlos Llamosa, beating Rimando to the far post.