NAPERVILLE, Ill. (AP) -- Rodrigo Faria scored in the 81st minute to lead the New York/New Jersey MetroStars to a 1-0 victory Saturday over the Chicago Fire.

The victory moved the MetroStars (5-5-2) into a tie for second place in the Eastern Conference with the Fire (5-6-2), who have lost three straight.

Faria's goal was set up by striker Mamdou Diallo, who centered a pass to Faria just outside the six-yard box. Faria moved around Fire defender C.J. Brown and fired a low shot that beat goalkeeper Zach Thornton.

MetroStars goalkeeper Tim Howard stopped nine shots to earn his second consecutive shutout.

Fire midfielder DaMarcus Beasely returned from duties with the U.S. National team at the World Cup but did not play.

Before the game, the Fire claimed veteran midfielder Billy Walsh off waivers. The MetroStars waived Walsh in November.