MLS: D.C. United 3, MetroStars 2

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- D.C. United won the Atlantic Cup and the East's second seed in thr MLS playoffs Sunday by beating the MetroStars, 3-2.

The match was the first of three consecutive between these two teams over the next two weeks.

United dominated possession in the first half and won behind two goals by Christian Gomez and a 64th-minute header by Mike Petke.

Rookie Eddie Gaven and John Wolyniec gave the MetroStars and early 1-0 lead.

United struck back almost immediately,with Gomez's second goal in as many weeks.

Another United attack set Gomez loose for another goal in the 29th minute.

In the 50th minute, Clark found side netting to draw his side even at 2-2.

The two teams meet again next Saturday at Giants Stadium in the first game of their two-game playoff series.