The thermometer hit 118 degrees on the artificial turf at Giants Stadium. Kansas City’s Jimmy Conrad was carted off to be treated intravenously for dehydration and an arrythmia.

MetroStars defender Edgar Bartholomeu also succumbed, and he, too, had to be wheeled off the field on a stretcher.

For the MetroStars and the Wizards, yesterday’s scoreless draw at the Meadowlands became an ill-advised, afternoon broiler.

Still, the MetroStars’ new goalkeeper professed indifference.

“It’s never too warm to play,” said Jonny Walker. “That’s just an excuse for someone to stay inside and play video games.”

Walker is seeking to bolster the Meadowlands’ burgeoning reputation as a hothouse for goalkeepers. He helped to further the case yesterday against ex-Metro Tony Meola, turning in a shutout in his first game at Giants Stadium.

Walker, who’s nearly 29, is treading the footsteps of a couple famous predecessors: Meola, a U.S. national stalwart, and Tim Howard, who’s expected to be Manchester United’s No. 1 when he makes his regular-season debut in Saturday’s English Premier League opener.

Sprung from the Chilean league on July 14 by Howard’s sale, Walker has allowed only three goals in four MLS games, although dubious support has left him with a 1-1-2 record.

“He does an excellent job of putting himself in good position,” MetroStars coach Bob Bradley said. “He’s not a goalkeeper who has to always fly all over and come up with miraculous saves.

“He’s a little bit like [U.S. national team and English league standout] Casey Keller. His positioning is perfect. He’s hard to beat.”

The Wizards (7-5-7) found Walker impossible to solve yesterday, despite having a wide edge in play. A quick reaction on an opening-minute Chris Klein head flick, another last-resort reach against Alex Zotinca’s right-side break and a left-foot kick-save against Dave Arnaud were the best of his 10 saves. The Wizards required only four saves from Meola as the Metros (8-5-6) played to their first 0-0 draw since June 16, 2001 – a span of 53 games.

Walker seems aware of the Metros’ lineage as his new team chases after the Eastern title, currently a point ahead of Chicago.

“The pressure is definitely here,” he said. “If you’re not playing well, people will let you know. If you get the job done on the field, people will treat you well.”