MetroStars 1, Los Angeles 1 (OT)

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., April 19 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Galaxy settled for their third straight deadlock to start the season Saturday night as the MetroStars rallied for a 1-1 draw in a game marred by five yellow cards.

MetroStars defender Steve Jolley set the tone two minutes into the game when he took down forward Carlos Ruiz.

Pressure by Los Angeles led to the game's first goal in the 20th minute. Midfielder Chris Albright's header off a loose ball sprung teammate Sasha Victorine down the left side of the penalty area. Victorine sent a pass across the goalmouth to wide-open Cobi Jones, who had no trouble scoring his first goal of the season.

The Metros equalized in the 42nd minute as defender Joey DiGiamarino was upended in the penalty area by Ezra Hendrickson. Referee Terry Vaughn immediately pointed to the penalty spot and forward Jaime Moreno powered a hard, low shot past goalkeeper Kevin Hartman.

It was Moreno's first goal for the MetroStars, who began to surge offensively. With newly acquired Honduran midfielder Amado Guevara becoming more cohesive in working with Clint Mathis and Ricardo Clark, the Galaxy were forced to adopt more aggressive defensive tactics.

Hong Myung Bo and Hendrickson were cautioned as they tried to slow the MetroStars' attack.

Trying to create more offense, the Metros removed forward Mike Magee in the second half and shifted Mathis from midfield to partner with Moreno.