Kovalenko's Goal Makes United a Winner
Published on August 9, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A dramatic goal in second half added time by midfielder Dema Kovalenko gave D.C. United a 1-0 home victory against their Eastern Conference rivals the New England Revolution on Saturday night at RFK Stadium. With the three points United (6-6-6, 24pts) overtakes the Revolution (5-7-7, 22pts) and seizes third place in the Eastern Conference standings.
In the second minute of added time United second-half substitute Eliseo Quintanilla delivered a cross from the right flank which was met by a spectacular left-footed volley from Hristo Stoitchkov. His powerful shot was blocked by Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis but the rebound fell to the feet of Kovalenko, who was crashing the net and knocked the ball home from the edge of the six-yard box for his fifth goal of the campaign.
"We got lucky with the free rebound but it was a team effort and a great win for us," Kovalenko said. "We said before the match that this was the biggest game of the year for us. Now we have to get ready for Colorado on Wednesday."
The win was United's second in a row against the Revolution following their 4-2 come-from-behind victory at Gillette Stadium on July 26 in the final regular season match for both teams before the Pepsi MLS All-Star break. That match also saw D.C. register late goals with four tallies in the final 12 minutes. D.C., now 11-4-1 all-time against the Revolution at RFK Stadium, earned its fourth victory in its last six matches while New England is still looking to end a seven-game winless stretch (0-4-3).
In an entertaining first half which saw both teams attack at will, United had the Revolution on their heels in the early going. D.C. United's two flank midfielders, Ben Olsen and Bobby Convey, who made offensive forays throughout the first half, combined for the first real scoring opportunity of the night when a Convey cross from the left was met by an Olsen header in the box. The ball was tipped over the crossbar by Reis.
The Revolution would respond through scoring chances involving forward Wolde Harris. In the 21st minute the Jamaican international combined on a give-and-go play with midfielder Jose Cancela and from the right side of the United penalty area fired a diagonal shot across the face of the goal and just wide left.
In the 35th minute Harris was dangerous again on two consecutive plays. His 20-yard shot was saved by a sprawling goalkeeper Nick Rimando in full extension, who tipped the ball for a corner kick. On the ensuing set piece, Cancela lofted the ball into the box where Harris nodded a header toward goal and into Rimando's arms.
The start of the second half was marked by two red cards to Convey and Revolution defender Jay Heaps for an off-the-ball incident. Following the disciplinary action, the game continued to be physical with few scoring opportunities created until the final 10 minutes of regulation.
In a dramatic finale the teams exchanged scoring chances with the Revolution coming closest to opening the scoring. In the 84th minute MLS' Budweiser leading scorer, Taylor Twellman, saw his shot from inside the penalty area hit the base of both the right post and left post as the ball danced along the goal line and eventually into the hands of Rimando. Four minutes later Rimando, who registered his sixth shutout of the season, was forced to tip a Steve Ralston shot from the right flank over the bar.
United was missing the services of defender Mike Petke, who was suspended for the match for caution point accumulation. Revolution forward Joe-Max Moore sat out the game with a left knee sprain.
D.C. United next host the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday, Aug. 13 (7:30PM ET, Yahoo! Platinum) while New England hosts the League-leading San Jose Earthquakes in next Saturday's ESPN2 Game of the Week on Aug. 16 (4:00PM ET).
MLS Man of the Match: Jose Cancela (New England Revolution)
Major League Soccer Stories from August 9, 2003
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- Rapids Continue Hot Streak - MLS
- Revolution Drops Stunner to United, 1-0 - New England Revolution
- Kovalenko's Goal Makes United a Winner - MLS
- Late Goal Lifts MetroStars to Draw with Fire, 1-1 - Red Bull New York
- Fire and MetroStars Remain Deadlocked Atop East After 1-1 Draw - Chicago Fire FC
- MetroStars, Fire Play to 1-1 Draw - MLS
- Spain Backs Out; Mexico Game Still Scheduled for August 20th at Giants Stadium - Red Bull New York
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