Despite creating more than enough chances, especially in the first half, the Kansas City Wizards fell to a triumphantly returning Tony Meola and the rest of the MetroStars at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday night, the visitors keeping their postseason hopes alive with a 1-0 victory.
Meola, playing in his first match at Arrowhead since being released by Kansas City last December, had six saves in the contest denying his former side any joy, the only goal of the game coming just before halftime when an Eddie Gaven shot took a deflection off Wizards midfielder Sasha Victorine.
After scoring within 50 seconds at Giants Stadium last week in a 2-2 draw with the MetroStars, the Wizards nearly capitalized in the opening moments at home as they took two shots that were blocked in the box after a second-minute corner.
The varying degrees of chances continued to flow as Kansas City forward Scott Sealy shot straight at Meola's goal from 18 yards in the sixth minute. It was followed two minutes later by a Metros chance as Gaven dodged around several central defenders before losing touch. K.C. goalkeeper Bo Oshoniyi smothered the ball before Youri Djorkaeff could poke it in the net.
Able to find space off a thrown in on the Metros right side, Wizards left back Jose Burciaga Jr. played purposefully behind Sealy deep into right side of the box. The Trinidad international dropped the ball for Chris Klein, who nailed a dipping drive that forced Meola to make a diving save to his left.
Meola was a feature on the next Wizards chance in the 26th minute as Wolff fed a splitting ball from near midfield to Sealy who was able to get behind the Metros defense. Met by Meola at the top of the box, Sealy pushed past the stranded 'keeper and took an off-balance, weakened shot that center back Jeff Agoos was able to clear before it reached the goal line.
After a MetroStars shot was blocked in front of Oshoniyi, the Wizards Kerry Zavagnin was tripped up inside the Metros penalty box restraining arc. Burciaga took the kick and fired at Meola to give him his third save of the half.
Once again bringing the crowd to the edge, K.C. threatened in the 32nd minute at winger Davy Arnaud streaked towards the Metros box and fed Wolff who took advantage of defensive misplay to poke a roller just wide left of goal.
The MetroStars proved equal to precise counters as Djorkaeff threaded a pass for striker Ante Razov soon after. Razov, who has 10 goals and six assists lifetime versus the Wizards in 16 matches, hit a wicked drive that Oshoniyi just scrambled to cover after it snuck behind him.
Wolff and Sealy were at it again in the 42nd minute as Sealy again dropped a pass back, this time for Wolff who grazed the outside of Meola's left post with a line-drive shot.
The Metros then took the lead in the 44th minute when they earned a set piece to the right of Oshoniyi's goal. The initial ball in was poorly cleared and was picked up by Tim Ward who played back for Gaven stationed above the middle of the box. Gaven's shot deflected off Wizards midfielder Sasha Victorine and past a befuddled Oshoniyi to give the visitors the lead against the run of play.
Former MetroStars and Wizards defender Peter Vermes was recognized at halftime for his contributions to the Kansas City franchise during the 2000-2002 seasons. Vermes won MLS Defender of the Year honors in 2000 as he captained the Wizards to the 2000 MLS Cup championship. He received a framed Wizards jersey and a framed U.S. national team jersey, both sporting his No. 9.
Still energized to reap the spoils of their efforts, the Wizards were on the attack four minutes into the second half. Arnaud picked up a failed clearance from Carlos Mendes 16 yards out from the Metros goal, sliced inside and sent Meola scrambling to his right after he bobbled the shot before gaining a secure handle.
As the clock became their ally, the Metros had the occasional chance to add to their lead, and it was Guavara who spread Oshoniyi to the left to push a shot away for a corner at the hour mark.
Soon, though, the visitors' task would become more daunting. Right back Tim Regan was twice called for yellow card fouls by referee Terry Vaughn within the span of two minutes -- the second was on Arnaud and it came in the 65th minute and left the MetroStars a man down.
While the Wizards had the majority of the possession, when they did penetrate, crosses were cleared well and bodies and heads from the MetroStars provided enough hindrance. Substitute Preki made space on the right wing in the 80th minute as he cut by a defender and shot far post, but true to his team's form this night, the veteran's shot bounced harmlessly wide of the post.
Lack of time became an increasing concern for Kansas City and their play grew frantic. A low cross from new addition Jermaine Hue squirted into the box, passed Meola, and sat until a Metro defender drove out the danger.
Four minutes of extra time was allotted, but the Wizards could not solve the Metros resolute defense, save for a late Wolff shot at Meola, and lost their second home match in succession.
MLSnet.com Man of the Match: Eddie Gaven (MetroStars)
Robert Rusert is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
