EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- A penalty kick by Alex Comas carried the New York-New Jersey MetroStars to their fifth straight victory, a 1-0 MLS win over the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday.

The streak matches a club record set last season and improves their Eastern Division-leading record to 6-1-1. Colorado is 2-4-1.

Comas' goal came after MLS scoring leader Clint Mathis was taken down in the box by Colorado goalkeeper Adin Brown.

The Rapids were unable to score despite putting late pressure on MetroStars goalkeeper Tim Howard, who made eight saves and registered his second straight shutout.

"It's been great to get off to a start like this," Howard said. "It's given everyone a lot of confidence. We've played and beaten a lot of good teams who play different styles. We've shown that we can come from behind and win, and when we've had injuries other guys have stepped up and contributed."

The Rapids' chances included a header in the 76th minute by Paul Bravo that sailed inches over the bar, and Imad Baba's free kick from outside the box in the 83rd minute that was also just high. Then, in the 87th minute, a long, low shot by Chris Dawes appeared to beat a flat-footed Howard. But the goalie deflected the shot with his shoulder and the ball sailed over the bar again.

Colorado coach Tim Hankinson was disappointed his team's effort resulted in nothing more than another tough loss.

"Our priority was to try and shut down some of the things that they do well and create some chances for ourselves," Hankinson said. "I thought we did both, but we were unlucky on the penalty."