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 Sunday, August 26, 2001 24:57 EST

Metros clinch playoff spot

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- Daniel Hernandez's goal in the first minute of injury time gave the New York-New Jersey MetroStars a 3-2 victory over the Miami Fusion on Saturday night.

By scoring his first career goal on a 25-yard free kick, Hernandez spoiled Miami's bid to clinch the MLS Eastern Division and helped the MetroStars secure a spot in this year's playoffs.

The MetroStars overcame two one-goal deficits to defeat Miami for the third time this season.

MetroStar Petter Villegas tied the match with a goal in the 84th minute. Villegas successfully converted on an open shot from 30 yards which beat Miami goalkeeper Nick Rimando.

Miami had taken a 2-1 lead when Alex Pineda Chacon scored his second goal of the match at the 78th minute.

Fusion midfielder Chris Henderson sent a high crossing pass into the 6-yard box area, where Chacon out-jumped MetroStars defender Orlando Perez and headed in a shot inside the right post for his 16th goal of the season.

The Fusion took a 1-0 lead on Chacon's goal at the ninth minute.

Chacon took a pass from Diego Serna in the half circle just outside the penalty box and dribbled uncontested toward the right wing. Although MetroStars goalkeeper Tim Howard tried to prevent Chacon's shot by coming out of the box, Chacon beat him with a successful 12-yard shot for his 15th goal of the season.

Following Chacon 's early goal, Miami continued pressing the MetroStars but Howard's acrobatic saves kept New York-New Jersey in the match during the first 45 minutes.

Howard made diving deflections off shots from Jim Rooney and Lazo Alavanja, denying a possible scoring onslaught.

Rodrigo Faria tied the match with a goal in the 49th minute. Villegas ran toward the right wing and centered a pass to Faria, who easily converted on a shot inside the six-yard box.



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