TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Michael Butler scored on a header in the closing seconds of his MLS debut to give the New York/New Jersey MetroStars a 2-1 victory over Tampa Bay on Wednesday night.

MetroStars captain Billy Walsh had tied it with five minutes left, redirecting a free kick to the far post.

The MetroStars (7-6-3) won for the first time of the road this season after opening 0-5-2.

Tampa Bay (3-12-1) opened the scoring on Mamadou Diallo's team-leading eighth goal in the 27th minute. Diallo converted the lone shot on goal by either team in the first half, slipping a left-foot shot past Tim Howard from 12 yards out.

Tampa Bay has won only once in 13 games since a 3-1 victory over the MetroStars on April 21 at Giants Stadium.