MLS New England Revolution

Revolution Clinches Playoff Berth with 1-0 Win over D.C. United in Overtime

Published on October 11, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


FOXBOROUGH, MA - The New England Revolution secured its team-record second consecutive playoff appearance Saturday afternoon after posting a 1-0 victory over D.C. United in overtime at Gillette Stadium. Steve Ralston powered a penalty kick past United goalkeeper Doug Warren in the 92nd minute for the win.

The Revolution came into the game missing key players in several positions, including leading scorer Taylor Twellman, captain Joe Franchino, defender Carlos Llamosa and forwards Joe-Max Moore and Chris Brown.

After a scoreless 90 minutes of regulation, the teams entered golden goal overtime. Massachusetts native Chris Bagley, making his debut in a Revolution uniform, controlled a long pass from defender Marshall Leonard and was taken down in the box by D.C. defender Brandon Prideaux as Bagley attempted to turn and shoot. Steve Ralston, wearing the captain armband for the match, drilled the ensuing spot kick shot past rookie keeper Doug Warren.

The victory guaranteed the Revs a playoff spot; this is the earliest in any of their eight seasons that the Revolution has secured a postseason berth.

Warren tied a career high with six stops including shots by midfielder Shalrie Joseph (19th min), right back Jay Heaps (28th min) and forward Dario Fabbro (47th min).

In the 11th minute, Revolution midfielder Steve Ralston cut inside from the right flank and fired a left-footed shot from the top of the box that Warren saved. Ralston had a good scoring opportunity again in the 31st minute when he shot over the top of the crossbar from outside the penalty area.

Although the Revs had the run of the attacking play in the first half, there were a couple of nervous moments for the home team. Ronald Cerritos was allowed a free header in the 34th minute after a defensive confusion allowed an Eliseo Quintanilla cross to find Cerritos' head on the doorstep of Adin Brown's goal, but the United striker headed the ball over the bar.

The Revs' defense had another close call after a goalmouth scramble in the 37th minute. United forward Thiago Martins was behind Brown inside the six-yard box with an opportunity to put a shot home from close range, but Revs midfielder Shalrie Joseph cleared the ball off the line.

Neither team was given many scoring opportunities in the second half. The Revs tried to get on the board with shots from Ralston and Noonan. United only managed to muster one shot on goal in the second half, that by Martins in the 48th minute.

This is the third straight win for the playoff-bound Revolution and their fourth in five games. The Revs will face the MetroStars at Giants Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday, October 18th before hosting their final home game, also against the MetroStars at Gillette Stadium October 25 at 4:00 p.m.. Tickets are available for this game by calling 1-877-GET-REVS.

Revolution playoff tickets go on sale this Wednesday, October 15, at 10:00 AM.

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Major League Soccer Stories from October 11, 2003


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