The MetroStars became the first U.S. team to notch a win in the Merconorte Cup, beating VenezuelaÆs Deportivo Italchacao, 2-0, in Giants Stadium Aug. 8. It was the MetroStars’ opening game in Group B in the competition of leading clubs from the Americas’ northern nations — which this year included U.S. teams for the first time. Kansas City has lost both its Group C games (vs. MexicoÆs Santos and PeruÆs Sporting Cristal). In the 23rd minute, Mark ChungÆs left-footed shot from inside the box was parried away by goalkeeper Jose Fasciana. But the ball fell to an onrushing Valencia, who poked it into the back of the net from 10 yards out. Chung also hit the post twice. In first-half stoppage time, Martin Klinger earned a free kick from 25 yards away on the left flank. Captain Daniel Hernandez sent a right-footed cross that Mike Petke, left unmarked in the center of the box, nailed into the back of the net with a powerful header. Aug. 8 in East Rutherford, N.J. MetroStars 2 Deportivo Italchacao 0 Scoring Summary: MET–Valencia (Chung, Klinger M.) 23 MET–Petke (Hernandez) 47+ METROSTARS — Tim Howard, Mike Petke (Tab Ramos, 73), Steve Jolley, Orlando Perez, Pedro Alvarez, Billy Walsh (Richie Williams, 54), Petter Villegas, Daniel Hernandez, Mark Chung, Adolfo Valencia (Alex Dixon 87), Martin Klinger. CAUTIONS: Alvarez 59; EJECTIONS: none. DEPORTIVO ITALCHACAO –Jose Fasciana, Luis Vallenilla Pacheco, Gregory Luzardo, Daniel Diez, Cesar Modesto Gonzalez, Arsenio Santeugini (Giovanny Perez, 46), CAUTIONS: Silva 14; EJECTIONS: none. Referee: Fernando Paneso; Assistant Referees: Wilmer Barahona, Daniel Wilson. Attendance: 7,426; Weather: Humid, 91.