Sports stats



MLS New England Revolution

Revolution Get a Point on the Road by Drawing with the Fire

July 12, 2004 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


Chicago, Ill. - The New England Revolution (3-8-4, 13 pts.) got a point on the road as they tied the Chicago Fire (4-5-6, 18 pts.) 1-1 at Soldier Field. The game was the second half of a doubleheader that began with the U.S. National Team drawing 1-1 with Poland in front of a crowd of 39,529. In the second match, Steve Ralston of the Revolution scored on a freekick from 27 yards out just moments after Chicago had taken a 1-0 lead through a Damani Ralph penalty kick.

Chicago dictated the tempo of the match for much of the first half hour of the game and in the 27th minute, Chicago went close after New England had troubling clearing the ball. Revs defender Jay Heaps got in front of the ball and cleared it to toward the left flank. But Fire midfielder Logan Pause was able to take a first-time blast at Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis, but the ball went just wide of the post and into the side of the net.

The Fire got on the board first when forward Damani Ralph successfully completed a penalty kick in the 50th minute. The play began when a Ralph shot produced a spectacular save from Reis that was followed by Dipsy Selolwane hitting the post. But the Revs were unable to clear the ball and midfielder Andy Williams dribbled down the right side of the box before being fouled by Revs defender Marshall Leonard. From the penalty spot, Ralph powered the ball inside the post to Reis' right to put the Fire ahead 1-0.

New England did not let the Fire hold the lead for long. Still in the 50th minute, Ralston notched his first goal of the season after Fire defender C.J. Brown committed a foul on Revs midfielder Clint Dempsey. With Revs captain Joe Franchino and Ralston behind the ball, Ralston stepped up and curled his shot inside the near post to Fire goalkeeper Henry Ring's right that barely skimmed the inside of the woodwork before nestling home for the equalizing goal.

The Revs had a good chance to take the lead in the 64th minute, when Revs midfielder Pat Noonan dribbled the ball through midfield, beating two Fire defenders. As he entered the penalty area, Noonan took a hard shot on goal but Ring was able to touch it over the crossbar.

One minute later, Revs forward Taylor Twellman created a chance when he took the ball in the area on a one-on-one with Ring. Twellman, who was playing for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury on May 29 against D.C. United, took a shot to the far post but an outstretched Ring was able to gather the ball and keep the Revs from taking the lead.

With only seconds left in added time, New England was given a free kick opportunity from the right flank after Dempsey was fouled in the corner. With the Revs committing just five players into the penalty area on the set piece, Ralston lofted his free kick to the far post. Noonan was able to slip his marker and snapped a header low on target. Ring made an instinctive reaction save diving to his right to preserve the point for Chicago and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

The New England Revolution will play the Fire as the second part of the home-and-home series on Wednesday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium. The Revolution will then travel to Columbus next weekend to take on the Columbus Crew on Saturday, July 17th at 7:30 p.m. ET at Crew Stadium.

Check out the New England Revolution Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...

Major League Soccer Stories from July 12, 2004


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