Columbus 1; MetroStars 0

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., April 12 (UPI) -- A goal by Jeff Cunningham in the final minute Saturday night gave the Columbus Crew their first win of the season, 1-0, over the MetroStars.

It was the sixth straight win for the Crew at Giants Stadium.

Cunningham, who came on as a substitute with 20 minutes remaining, received a cross from Frankie Hejduk. Meeting the ball in stride, the Crew's top goal-scorer in 2002 stuck out his right knee five yards from the goal line and sent the ball past outstretched goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Both teams had scoring chances.

In the 40th minute, the Clint Mathis of the MetroStars got a pass from new teammate Jaime Moreno and fired a 25-yard shot that was deflected by goalkeeper Jon Busch for a corner kick.

Columbus had a similar opportunity early in the second half when midfielder Kyle Martino received a back pass from forward Edson Buddle and struck a curving ball from 20 yards. Howard cleared it with both hands.

Brian McBride caused problems for the MetroStars' defense in the first half. At the 10-minute mark, he was taken down outside the box after receiving a through ball from midfielder Brian Maisonneuve.

Freddy Garcia sent the ensuing free kick into the Metros' wall.

The loss spoiled the MetroStars' coaching debut of Bob Bradley, who began his tenure with three newcomers, Mike Magee, Jacob LeBlanc, and Ricardo Clark, in the starting lineup.

The Crew bounced back from a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Morelia of Mexico in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals.