Opponent: Lehigh Valley Steam

Site: UMBC Stadium

Time: 7: 35

Outlook: It's a game between two first-year teams in the A-League's Eastern Conference. The Atlantic Division Mania, 0-2 with four goals given up, focused on tactical cohesiveness, particularly through midfield, in practice this week. Coach Paul Kitson, seeking the team's first goal(s), said he'll try a new combination at forward but wouldn't divulge who. He'll give Brock Yetso or Kori Hunter, both ex-Columbia high school stars, his first start in goal; Mania starter Russell Payne will be on D.C. United's bench.

Tip to the Mania: Shoot early and often. The Steam gave up sixth- and eighth-minute goals in winning a 2-1 shootout against Boston and losing, 1-0, last weekend in Pittsburgh.

Pub Date: 5/15/99