MLS New England Revolution

Revs' Unbeaten Streak Extended to Six Games

Published on October 18, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


E. Rutherford, NJ - The New England Revolution pulled into a second place tie in the Eastern Conference of MLS with a 2-1 win over the MetroStars on Saturday night at Giants Stadium. Dario Fabbro and Pat Noonan scored the goals for the Revs, who improved to 11-9-9 with the win and extend their unbeaten streak to a season-high six games. The Revs have also won four straight matches.

After a tight opening to the game, the Revs took the lead in the 15th minute with their first true attacking foray of the night. Steve Ralston collected the ball wide on the right and cut inside to the right of MetroStars defender Joey DiGiamarino and across the top of the box before sliding a pass to Brian Kamler. Kamler got behind his mark and fired a hard, low left-footed shot on goal. MetroStars keeper Jonny Walker made the initial save off the Kamler blast, but the rebound went straight to Fabbro who easily slotted the ball past the helpless Walker to make the score 1-0.

The goal was Fabbro's first as a member of the Revolution and his first in MLS since scoring for the Kansas City Wizards on July 13, 2002.

The game opened up following Fabbro's goal, and after a couple of near chances for both clubs, it was New England that struck next to double its lead. MetroStars captain Steve Jolley intercepted a long forward ball from Leo Cullen that was intended for Pat Noonan, but Noonan pressured Jolly and took the ball off his foot and broke in on the MetroStars goal. Jolley stayed with Noonan as he raced in on goal, but the rookie was able to deftly chip the ball past the onrushing Walker from 13 yards out to make the score 2-0.

The home side nearly got on the scoreboard late in the first half, as Amado Guevara was able to get free and fire a shot that beat Matt Reis.

However, Jay Heaps was there to clear the ball off the line and keep the MetroStars scoreless for the time being.

Midway through the second half, both Noonan and Fabbro nearly added a third for the Revs. In the 66th minute Noonan again broke in on Walker and while his left-footed shot beat the MetroStars keeper, it did not beat the crossbar and the ball caromed back into play. The MetroStars failed to convincingly clear the ball and it fell to Fabbro who rifled his long-range effort just wide of Walker's left post.

In the 75th minute, the MetroStars got onto the scoreboard when Polish newcomer Andrzej Juskowiak scored the first goal of his MLS career. Just three minutes after coming on, Juskowiak collected a pass from Mark Lisi in the center of the box, cut past Daouda Kante and beat Reis with a low shot that beat the Revs' keeper just inside his right post.

The MetroStars kept pressing forward looking for an equalizer, but were unable to find a way past Reis who made two saves to earn his first win in a Revolution uniform. Steve Nicol made two changes to his lineup from the week before when the Revs became the third Eastern Conference side to clinch a playoff spot.

Reis got the starting nod in goal for the Revs with Adin Brown given the chance to rest his strained hamstring, and Leo Cullen was drafted into center midfield in lieu of José Cancela was picked up a calf contusion in last week's win over D.C. United. Carlos Llamosa also returned in the second half, making his first appearance since suffering a sprained MCL in the Revs 0-0 draw with Colorado on September 18.

The Revs and MetroStars now hold matching 11-9-9 records with 42 points going into the season finale between the two sides at Gillette Stadium on October 25. With a win in that match the Revs will clinch second place in the Eastern Conference and home field advantage for the first round of the playoffs. Tickets for that game, as well as all Revolution home playoff games are on sale now. Call 1-877-GET-REVS for tickets or more information.

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Major League Soccer Stories from October 18, 2003


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