McBride, Carrera Help Columbus Move Closer to Final Playoff Spot

Brian McBride and Marcelo Carrera scored early goals as the Columbus Crew defeated the New York-New Jersey MetroStars, 2-0, on Sunday, extending the Crew’s winning streak to eight games.

Columbus (14-16), playing before 31,550 at Ohio Stadium, took a one-point lead over New England for fourth place in the Eastern Conference and the final playoff spot.

McBride and Todd Miller headed the ball back and forth before McBride finished the play with a header over goalie Tony Meola of the MetroStars (14-16) in the third minute. However, McBride collided with New York-New Jersey’s Rhett Harty while shooting and left the game 11 minutes later.

Carrera beat three defenders to Rob Smith’s throw-in in the 14th minute and sent a hard shot into the upper right corner for the second goal. Crew goalkeeper Brad Friedel made three saves for his third shutout in seven games.