D.C. United Gets Sweep of Fusion

L.A. Times Archives

Oct. 25, 1999 12 AM PT

Roy Lassiter’s goal in the sixth round of the shootout gave D.C. United a 1-0 victory over the Miami Fusion on Sunday in front of 8,446 at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., completing a two-game, first-round sweep.

Washington secured the victory when goalkeeper Tom Presthus stopped Miami’s Tyron Marshall on his shootout attempt.

The victory advances the United to the Eastern Conference finals this weekend against the Columbus Crew, which beat Tampa Bay in its first-round series.

Marco Etcheverry and Diego Sonora also scored shootout goals for United. The Fusion’s shootout scorers were Jim Rooney and Saul Martinez.

D.C. United has eliminated Miami from the playoffs two years in a row, and like last year, won the second match in a shootout after playing to a scoreless tie during regulation.

Despite both teams being down to 10 players--after each had a starter ejected late in the first half--the United and the Fusion had few scoring chances during the final 45 minutes.

D.C.’s Carey Talley launched a clear shot from 25 yards out that was stopped by Jeff Cassar.

Miami’s best scoring opportunity in regulation came as Eric Wynalda had a clear path deep into the D.C. goal area after receiving a pass from Nelson Vargas in the 82nd minute.

But D.C. goalkeeper Presthus kicked away Wynalda’s point-blank shot.

In the first half, United had the best scoring chances, early on.

Jaime Moreno’s header sailed barely over the goal post in the third minute and John Maessner missed a shot wide just outside the six-yard area at the 22nd minute.

Miami’s first scoring threat came in the 27th minute as Welton’s shot deep inside the penalty area was deflected Presthus.

Conference Semifinals

Best-of-three series:

WESTERN CONFERENCE

GALAXY vs. COLORADO

Galaxy 3, Colorado 0

Galaxy 2, Colorado 0

Galaxy wins series, 2-0

CHICAGO vs. DALLAS

Dallas 2, Chicago 1

Chicago 4, Dallas 0

Wednesday--at Dallas