Howard, Mathis Pace MetroStars

Clint Mathis scored in the 87th minute and backup goalkeeper Tim Howard recorded his third shutout in four appearances as the New York-New Jersey MetroStars beat the Kansas City Wizards, 1-0, on Saturday before 5,810 at Kansas City, Mo.

It was the first home loss of the season for Kansas City, which has a one point lead over the Galaxy in the Western Division. The MetroStars lead the East.

Mathis’ goal was set up by a long pass from Tab Ramos.

It was the first goal given up by Wizard goalkeeper Tony Meola at Arrowhead Stadium since Kansas City’s season-opening 4-3 victory over Chicago on March 25.

San Jose 1, Colorado 0--Abdul Thompson Contech overcame flu to score a goal in the first half, and goalkeeper Joe Cannon made 12 saves before 7,520 at Denver.

Contech scored in the 34th minute for the Earthquakes, who were winless in their first 11 road games. He had been battling flu since Monday and had to be rested for the final 29 minutes.

Chicago 3, Columbus 1--Dema Kovalenko had two goals for the Fire before 10,879 at Chicago.

Kovalenko scored in the 20th minute on a header off Jesse Marsch’s deflection of a corner kick. Kovalenko scored again 16 minutes later for his first multigoal game in the MLS.

Dallas 3, Washington 0--Ariel Graziani had a goal and an assist as the as the Burn won its fourth consecutive home game before 9,394 at Dallas.