MLS New England Revolution

Chicago Fire Spoils New England Revolution's Home Opener, 2-1

Published on April 30, 2006 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


Foxborough, Mass. - The Chicago Fire scored two second-half goals within four minutes to post a come-from-behind, 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution that spoiled the Revs' 2006 home opener at Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The victory was the first of the season for Chicago (1-1-2, 5 pts.), while the loss was New England's (1-2-1, 4 pts.) second of the season and second in a row after a 1-0 loss to Kansas City in the team's last outing on April 15.

After Revs forward Taylor Twellman sent a header over Fire goalkeeper Zach Thornton in the 54th minute, Thiago scored the equalizer in the 64th before Chris Rolfe put Chicago ahead in the 68th with his unassisted tally.

New England out-shot Chicago, 12-9, in the physical contest which saw the Fire commit 22 fouls to the Revs' 11.

After a scoreless first half, Twellman's goal - his first of the season after scoring a league-leading 17 in 2005 - came as he headed in an Andy Dorman cross from the right side. Twellman connected with the ball at the corner of the six-yard box outside the left post. His shot ricocheted off Thornton's outreached hand and into the side netting for a 1-0 Revolution lead. José Cancela, making his first start of the 2006 season, was also credited with an assist on the goal.

Thiago tied the contest 10 minute later when he banked a shot past New England keeper Matt Reis. Logan Pause drew the ball down the right flank and found Thiago at the top of the penalty area just to the right of the circle, where he flipped the ball over New England central defender Michael Parkhurst and sent the ball in past Reis to the low left corner.

Minutes later, Rolfe netted his third goal of the season when he sank a cross Reis deflected directly to him 12 yards out. Chicago forward Chad Barrett streaked down the right side and sent the ball cross field, where an out-reached Reis got a hand on the ball, but it went to Rolfe, who was unmarked in the box, setting up the easy goal.

In his first start of the season, Cancela took five of the Revs' 12 shots, including two on net. He was active in the first half with two solid scoring chances. In the 37th minute, he took a Twellman cross 16 yards out and sent a shot wide left. Five minutes later, in the 42nd minute, Thornton made a save on Cancela's free kick five yards off the corner of the penalty area.

Cancela again threatened in the 71st minute when his free kick looped into the goal area before Thornton made the save under the crossbar, setting up a New England corner.

New England forward Clint Dempsey had a chance in the 60th minute to put the Revs up 2-0. Midfielder Shalrie Joseph played a through ball into Dempsey who was coming down the center of the penalty area. Dempsey had Thornton beaten with the shot, but sent the ball just wide left.

The Revs were close to equalizing the match in the 86th minute when Twellman crashed a header off the crossbar. Cancela served an out-swinging corner kick from the right flag that found Twellman in traffic 10 yards out from goal. Twellman fought off a jersey tug to rise about and snap his header flush off of the bar. The Fire, however, were able to clear the ball and go on the counter attack.

Just before halftime, in the 44th minute, Justin Mapp sent a bending shot in on Reis after a give-and-go at the top of the box with Barrett, but Reis made the save to preserve the scoreless tie going into the half.

Thornton made four saves in the win, including a game-saving stop on James' Riley attempt from 25 yards out through traffic in stoppage time.

Reis took the loss after making four saves, while allowing two goals.

Revs midfielder Tony Lochhead made his first career MLS appearance, drawing the starting nod after playing with the New Zealand National Team last week in two games against Chile.

Revolution Daniel Hernandez picked up his third caution of the season in the 34th minute, earning the booking for unsporting behavior. Chicago was cautioned twice with Diego Gutierrez carded in the 43rd for a delayed restart and Barrett booked in the 81st.

The Revolution return to action at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, when they host the Los Angeles Galaxy in a match that will be aired live on ESPN2.

For Revolution ticket information, please call 1-877-GET-REVS.

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Major League Soccer Stories from April 30, 2006


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