Rested Twellman to play in Cup final
FOXBOROUGH - Taylor Twellman missed the Revolution's 1-0 win over the Colorado Rapids last night after starting 12 successive MLS games. Twellman, who sustained a right groin strain in a 2-2 tie at New York last week, will return to the lineup for the Revolution's visit to FC Dallas for Wednesday's US Open Cup final.
"There was a possibility he could play [last night]," Revolution coach Steve Nicol said of Twellman. "But there was no point in taking a chance on him. Why take a chance? He'll play Wednesday."
Nicol had to convince Twellman of the wisdom of taking a rest.
"The closer you get to kickoff, he gives you some strange looks and says he's all right," Nicol said. "But it wasn't going to happen."
A rare start
Rookie Adam Cristman, who started in place of Twellman, is scoreless since converting a 91st-minute goal in a 2-0 win over Kansas City Aug. 2. He's had three starts in the nine-game scoreless stretch.
"I'm still getting used to my role [as a reserve]," said Cristman, who has four goals, two back of rookie leader Robbie Findley of Real Salt Lake. "It's about bringing a lot of energy for a short amount of time. I am only going to get one or two chances so I have to be sharp, keep my head, make sure all my touches are good, and keep possession."
Dancing days
Defender James Riley inspired the lively "Hyphy" dance step of several Revolution players after Khano Smith's deciding score in the 88th minute.
"I was doing it in the preseason and a lot of guys liked it," Riley said. "I have a lot of friends in the [San Francisco] Bay Area and that's where it comes from."
Riley started for the 20th time this season, replacing Avery John (left knee sprain), who was injured on a studs-up foul by Juan Pablo Angel last week. Riley started the season in central defense, replacing Michael Parkhurst, but has mostly performed as an outside back in place of Jay Heaps and John.
Plenty on the line
The Revolution have clinched a playoff spot but are also playing for the Supporters Shield (best regular-season record), a SuperLiga berth (top four teams), and the US Open Cup.
"This team has been too successful for too long, too good for too long, not to win," Smith said of the Open Cup. "We need to win for the organization."
Cancela on bench
Midfielder Jose Cancela, a member of the Revolution from 2003-06, didn't see action for Colorado. He has played in nine games and scored one goal this season. "I haven't had a chance to play too much but we'll see how it goes," said Cancela, who plans to return to Massachusetts after his career . . . The Rapids' winless streak reached five games (0-3-2).
Chasing leader
Steve Ralston played in his 364th game (including playoffs), six behind Bill McPherson on the American first division soccer games-played list, according to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
