Goosen leads into the weekend

South Africa's Retief Goosen shot a five-under-par 66 to take the second round lead in the Chrysler Classic on Friday.

Goosen, searching for his first victory in the U.S. this season, finished on seven-under 135 to lead Argentine Jose Coceres and J.J. Henry by one stroke.

First-round leader Charles Howell III carded an even-par 71 at the Copperhead Course, five shots more than his Thursday score, for a share of fourth place with Chad Campbell and Jerry Kelly on 137.

Briny Baird and France's Thomas Levet are tied for seventh another shot back.

World number two Vijay Singh, who could clinch the PGA Tour money title with a victory this week, carded a one-under 70 and is tied for 10th, five shots adrift of Goosen.

Winner of the 2001 U.S. Open, Goosen is 26th on the PGA Tour's money list and entered the event hoping to consolidate his position inside the top-30 for a place in next week's season-ending Tour Championship.

The South African went out early and benefited from the easier morning conditions.

He did not bogey a hole until the 16th when he missed the green with his five-iron approach, struck a poor chip shot and missed his par putt of eight feet.

"I was a bit better in my iron play today. I seemed to hit it closer today than I did yesterday," Goosen said.

The 34-year-old said his putting had been the weak point of his game this year.

"My iron play is probably not quite up to standard, which leads you to long putts on the green, but I think my putting has not quite been what it should be."

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