HarrisCOLUMBUS, Ohio, CMC:
THE LOS Angeles Galaxy advanced to the 2002 US Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Final with a 1-0 win over the Colorado Rapids, and Jamaican Wolde Harris assisted on the goal that helped New England beat the Columbus Crew in semi-final play on Wednesday night.
Los Angeles, with Vincentian Ezra Hendrickson and Jamaican Tyrone Marshall, eliminated the Rapids, while New England jumped ahead of the Columbus Crew four points to one in their first-to-five-points play-off series.
At Colorado's INVESCO Field, New England held on to the 1-0 lead they earned with a third minute goal, and now head into Saturday's Game Three at home with the advantage.
Harris, whose two-goal effort on September 21 helped eliminate the MetroStars 3-0 while sending New England into the semis, delivered the final pass for the winning goal.
Harris headed down Brian Kamler's corner toward goal and defender Jay Heaps came rushing in to deflect the ball in with his chest. Heaps was actually sent off in the 39th minute but the Revs tightened up their defence - Harris dropping back into midfield - and held on for the win.
Prolific Carlos Ruiz scored in the 64th minute to clinch the victory for the top-seeded Los Angeles, who had also won Game One on Saturday.
Hendrickson, who scored in Saturday's 4-0 win, and Marshall both had full games for the LA Galaxy.
