MLS New England Revolution

Ronnie O'Brien strikes twice to keep Revs winless in San Jose since 2000

Published on August 16, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Ronnie O'Brien scored a pair of goals - sandwiched around strikes by Ryan Johnson and Scott Sealy - as the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the New England Revolution, 4-0, on Saturday night at Buck Shaw Stadium.

With the loss, the Revolution (10-6-3, 33 pts.) has now dropped back-to-back league games for the first time this season, while the club also fell off the top of the Eastern Conference standings for the first time since May 24. Meanwhile, San Jose (5-9-6, 21 pts.) extended its undefeated streak to five games and pushed closer to pulling itself off the bottom of the Western Conference table.

The Earthquakes scored the game's first goal in the 11th minute, with Francisco Lima providing the decisive pass for O'Brien's first strike. Lima chipped an angled pass over the Revs' backline to the streaking O'Brien, whose full volley effort looped over New England goalkeeper Matt Reis and into the far side netting.

O'Brien almost had a second in the 29th minute, but his long-range drive was hit straight at Reis, while the Revs' Khano Smith had a quality chance just one minute later, but the Bermuda international slipped his shot wide of the right post.

New England had the first good chance of the second half in the 49th minute, as Nyassi was left one-on-one with Cannon after a defensive miscue by the Earthquakes. Nyassi struck a first-time shot with his left foot, but Cannon charged off of his line and stopped the ball with his chest.

The game took a turn in the 55th minute when Reis suffered a right adductor strain and the Revs replaced him with Doug Warren between the pipes, ending Reis' record streak of consecutive minutes played at 7,975 minutes.

Adam Cristman had a chance to draw the Revolution level in the 60th minute, but his full volley off a Steve Ralston corner kick was saved by Cannon.

Second-half substitute - and Boston native - Johnson scored San Jose's second in the 71st minute to give the hosts some insurance. O'Brien's right-wing cross was settled by Sealy near the top of the box, and Sealy slipped a pass through the Revs' backline to Johnson, who slotted a left-footed shot inside the far post.

Just five minutes later, Sealy notched his third goal of the season to put the result beyond doubt. Darren Huckerby streaked down the left wing before cutting inside and sliding a long pass across the field to Sealy, who was wide open at the top of the area. The Trinidad and Tobago National Team member settled the pass and placed his shot between the legs of Warren.

O'Brien added a fourth in the 87th minute, curling a left-footed shot into the far upper corner from outside the box.

The Revs will return to action on Wednesday, Aug. 20, when they host bitter rival D.C. United in a crucial Eastern Conference clash at 7:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium.

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Major League Soccer Stories from August 16, 2008


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