GAME 1
MetroStars 1
Revolution 0
For the first time in a long time – maybe for the first time ever – the MetroStars played a postseason game and were the tougher team on the pitch. The rougher team. The nastier team. And it worked.
They put on a brilliant defensive performance and shut out the top-seeded Revolution 1-0 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Now a club that needed a red-hot final month to squeeze into the playoffs on the final day needs just a tie at Gillette Stadium Saturday to advance.
“We played one of the best teams and we showed how to play tactically, collectively, defensively. Everything was perfect, honestly,” Youri Djorkaeff said of the Metros snapping a five-game postseason winless slump with their first playoff victory since September 2001.
Amado Guevara scored in the 34th minute. Mo Johnston gave defender Seth Stammler his first pro start, putting him on the wing to mark winger Steve Ralston, but he also set up the goal with a throw in to Djorkaeff. The World Cup winner fed Guevara, who blasted a low, hard shot from 26 yards out that beat golakeeper Matt Reis to the lower left corner.
“This club has done nothing in 10 years. We need to work hard this week to go up to New England and win the game. We have the (in) form team,” said Johnston, 3-0-1 since replacing Bob Bradley on Oct. 4. He switched from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2 and emphasized tough, physical defense.