MLS New England Revolution

Revs can't break down the 10-man Crew

Published on October 10, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - A moment of miscommunication between New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis and defender Emmanuel Osei resulted in a bizarre goal by Columbus Crew defender Gino Padula, which stood up as the only goal in the Crew's 1-0 win over the Revolution on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium.

The game's lone goal was scored in the 36th minute, when Padula delivered an in-swinging free kick from the right channel, which went untouched as it bounced six yards from goal. Both Reis and Osei thought the other would deal with the clearance as the service arrived, and neither challenged as the ball bounced past Reis' legs and into the middle of the net.

Despite playing the final 25 minutes a man up following the ejection of Crew midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo, the Revs could not break through to find an equalizing goal.

With the loss, the Revs drop to 10-10-8 (38 pts.) but remain in third place in the Eastern Conference and are still clinging to the eighth and final spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs with two games remaining in the regular season. On the other side, the win clinched the regular-season Eastern Conference title for Columbus (13-5-10, 49 pts.), which is now in the driver's seat to earn its second consecutive Supporters' Shield.

Both teams started the game with an attacking intent and created multiple half-chances in the opening stages. The best of the bunch fell to New England's Kheli Dube in the ninth minute, when his 20-yard drive was hit straight into the stomach of Columbus goalkeeper William Hesmer.

After conceding the game's only goal in the 36th minute, Reis was almost caught again in first-half stoppage time when Ekpo's left-wing cross drifted toward the net, but the Revs' keeper was able to push the ball over the crossbar for a corner kick and ensure the score at halftime remained 1-0.

In an effort to create more on the attacking end, the Revolution made the game's first substitution in the 59th minute. Mike Videira replaced Kenny Mansally and slotted into central midfield, with Shalrie Joseph pushing up to play as a forward.

The Revs were given a further boost in the 65th minute when Ekpo was shown a straight red card after his elbow caught Kevin Alston in the face while the pair challenged for a header.

New England almost made the most of its numerical advantage just a few minutes later, but Sainey Nyassi's drive from the right side of the box was saved by Hesmer and Joseph couldn't direct the rebound on frame. The chance proved to be the Revolution's best of the game, and despite throwing numbers forward in the final stages, the home side couldn't make the breakthrough.

The Revs will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 17, when they'll host one of their most bitter rivals, the Chicago Fire, in their regular-season home finale at Gillette Stadium. For the second consecutive week, Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Sports en Español will televise the game live nationally at 6 p.m.

Check out the New England Revolution Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from October 10, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central