The MetroStars and Columbus Crew played to the first draw at MLS’ Spring Training 2001 preseason tournament March 15 at Lockhart Stadium. The teams played a scoreless first 86 minutes, before trading goals to force overtime and ultimately a 1-1 final. Crew (0-0-1) striker Jeff Cunningham took a feed from midfielder Roland Aguilera and danced through the MetroStars (0-0-1) defense into the box with the game still scoreless in the 87th minute. After one last dance step around Metros’ goalkeeper Paul Grafer, the speedy winger tucked the ball into the goal with his left foot. Cunningham, an 11-goal scorer in 1999, is looking to rebound from a two-goal campaign last year. “The defense was tired at that point and I was trying to use my speed and pace to beat them,” Cunningham said. “We have three or four great offensive players and need to tighten up the defense and we’ll be alright.” The MetroStars would equalize less than three minutes later. Defender Daniel Hernandez rushed through the center of the field and unleashed a shot from 25 yards out that beat a screened Matt Napoleon in the Crew goal. Hernandez, fully recovered from serious knee surgery that ended his 2000 season early, played the full 100 minutes. “I had an open shot, the keeper was leaning one way and there were a few people in front of him, so I took it,” Hernandez said. “Everything is holding up well with my knee, hopefully I’ll be injury free for the whole season.” Even though neither team could score for the first 86 minutes of action, with both teams generating chances. Columbus balanced play in the second half, after the MetroStars had the better of the action in the first 45 minutes. The fleet combination of Cunningham and Brian West tested the Metros’ defense in the final 45 minutes. Cunningham couldn’t put away several chances generated by West and rookie Duncan Oughton in the second half. The MetroStars best chances in the second half came from midfielders Richie Williams and Steve Shak. Williams, making his Metros’ debut, took a shot from eight yards after a slick dummy pass from Adolfo Valencia. Napoleon dove to make the save in the 73rd minute. Less than a minute later, Napoleon made a juggling save on a Shak attempt from right in front of goal. In the 80th minute, Williams had another solid chance saved by Napoleon. The MetroStars controlled play for most of the first half, testing the revamped Columbus defense. Oughton, a first round SuperDraft pick, performed well at right back, competing against MetroStars All-Star midfielder Mark Chung on the wing. “We have a really good team from back to front,” Hernandez said. “This season we will settle for nothing less than winning the MLS Cup championship.” The MetroStars were playing without striker Clint Mathis and starting goalkeeper Tim Howard. Striker Brian McBride was not with the Crew for their Spring Training opener. Columbus Crew 1 MetroStars 1. Goals: Cunningham (Aguilera) 87; Hernandez (unassisted) 90. Columbus Crew — Mark Dougherty (Matt Napoleon 46), Tenywa Bonseu (Marcus Steigiopoulos 64), Mike Clark, Duncan Oughton, Todd Yeagley, Mike Musina (Julian Martinez 66), Robert Warzycha, Brian Maisonneuve (John Wilmar Perez 57), Brian West, Phil Karn (Roland Aguilera 75), Jeff Cunningham. MetroStars — Russell Payne (Paul Grafer 46), Orlando Perez, Mike Petke (Steve Jolley 46), Mark Semioli (Steve Shak 61), Billy Walsh (Tony Soto 46), Alex Comas (Adolfo Valencia 61), Mark Chung, Daniel Hernandez, Richie Williams, Martin Klinger (O’Neil Peart 30, Rodrigo Faria 91), Tab Ramos (Petter Villegas 46).