EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey, CMC:
JAMAICAN international Andy Williams scored an astounding goal and also had an assist in helping the New York/New Jersey MetroStars edge the New England Revolution in a high-scoring US Major League Soccer (MLS) Saturday night.
Williams opened the scoring midway the first half and although the MetroStars forged 3-0 clear later in the half, they had to withstand a strong rally from the Revs for the win.
Vincentian Ezra Hendrickson also made scoring headlines, helping the Los Angeles Galaxy get a draw against the Kansas City Wizards.
San Jose roughed up Dallas 4-0, and the other weekend games were drawn.
At the Giants Stadium, forward Mamadou Diallo scored two goals to lead the MetroStars' win at home.
But Williams hit what was described as "a MLS Goal of the Year candidate" in the 25th minute.
Williams, who appeared for Jamaica's Reggae Boyz at the 1998 World Cup Finals in France, carried the ball 25 yards, danced around and twisted through the Revolution defence before unleashing a fierce shot past goalkeeper Juergen Sommer into the upper left corner of the goal.
Diallo scored from the penalty spot nine minutes later and Brad Davis made it 3-0 four minutes from half-time.
Taylor Twellman replied for New England in the 43rd minute, but the MetroStars regained their three-goal advantage in the 46th minute when Diallo, on a pass from Williams, struck his second goal.
New England, with Jamaican forward Wolde Harris in their line up, got other goals from Steve Ralston (59th) and Daniel Hernandez (63rd) but came up short in the seven-goal thriller.
In Pasadena, the Kansas City Wizards - in spite of the first half ejection of goalkeeper Tony Meola - held on for a 2-2 extra-time draw with home team Los Angeles Galaxy at the Rose Bowl.
Hendrickson brought the Galaxy back in the 56th minute when a corner kick taken by midfielder Cobi Jones was headed on to him by Alexi Lalas and he struck in a one-time shot from just six yards.
Jamaica international Tyrone Marshall came on as a late substitute for Los Angeles.
In Ohio, an 88th minute goal from forward Chris Carrieri allowed the Colorado Rapids to escape with a 1-1 draw against the Columbus Crew at Crew Stadium.
DC United held on for a 0-0 draw against Chicago Fire at the Cardinal Stadium in Illinois, and the San Jose Earthquakes got an early goal from Ariel Graziani before on their way to a 4-0 win over the Dallas Burn at the Spartan Stadium in California.
