CARSON, Calif. - Michael Bradley, Amado Guevara and the MetroStars did just enough to capitalize on the opening presented by the Kansas City Wizards.

Bradley scored in the 49th minute and Guevara added an insurance goal in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time as the MetroStars claimed the final Eastern Conference playoff spot with a 2-0 triumph over expansion CD Chivas USA.

Tony Meola made 14 saves for his 57th career shutout for the MetroStars (12-9-11), who needed a victory to reach the playoffs.  They had been tied with Kansas City entering the final weekend but the Wizards only could tie FC Dallas on Saturday, 2-2.

In a game where both teams blew several great chances to score, Bradley put the MetroStars on the board less than four minutes after halftime by heading in a cross from Mark Lisi.

Guevara hit a shot off the right post in the 51st minute, Youri Djorkaeff duplicated the feat eight minutes later and the Frenchman sent a shot off the left post in the 85th.

Meola made several impressive stops to preserve the lead before Guevara chipped the ball over Chivas goalkeeper Sergio Garcia in stoppage time.

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A difficult inaugural season came to an end for Chivas (4-22-6), which led the MLS with 67 goals allowed, two shy of the league record set by Colorado in 1998.

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