They have 2d thoughts

Revived Revolution are in good position

By Frank Dell'Apa, Globe Staff, 10/19/2003

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Revolution conceived an effective formula for MLS success last year, saving their best performances for the end of the season and taking momentum into the playoffs. They are following that same formula this year, taking a 2-1 victory over the MetroStars last night to extend their unbeaten streak to six games.

The Revolution (11-9-9) are 5-0-1 since Sept. 7, the same mark that launched them into the playoffs and the MLS Cup last year. They are tied with the MetroStars for second place in the Eastern Conference and will finish ahead of the MetroStars with at least a tie against them in the regular-season finale at Gillette Stadium Saturday, since they hold the edge in head-to-head competition.

This result also gave the Revolution momentum and a chance at home-field advantage should they be matched with the MetroStars in the playoffs, starting Nov. 1.

"The fact that we can go into the playoffs winning and getting wins against whoever we are going to play helps," Revolution coach Steve Nicol said. "We are on a good run and that makes a difference. The way we are playing at the end of the season gives us confidence."

The Revolution are playing without leading scorer Taylor Twellman (broken left foot), plus strikers Chris Brown (broken left foot), and Joe-Max Moore (left calf strain). But Dario Fabbro and Pat Noonan compensated. Fabbro scored his first Revolution goal in the 15th minute, becoming the sixth striker to score for the team this season. Noonan converted for the seventh time, making him the team's second-leading scorer, in the 37th minute.

Both teams used several reserves, the Revolution leaving out goalkeeper Adin Brown, midfielder Jose Cancela, and defender Joe Franchino, and adding central defender Carlos Llamosa only in the final 15 minutes.

The MetroStars were affected by the absence of defenders Edgar Bartolomeu (shoulder separation) and Eddie Pope (rib strain), but improved their possession in the second half with the additions of Mark Lisi and Andrzej Juskowiak, who scored his first goal for the team in the 75th minute.

The Revolution appeared composed and confident in possession for most of the match. Leo Cullen and Shalrie Joseph limited the effectiveness of MetroStars midfielder Amado Guevara.

Combination play by Joseph and Steve Ralston set up the first goal. Ralston switched the ball to Brian Kamler on the left, and Fabbro scored off the rebound of Kamler's close-in drive. Noonan stripped the ball from Steve Jolley for the second goal. Then, goalkeeper Matt Reis and Jay Heaps made the defensive stops of the game in the 44th minute. John Wolyniec sped past Heaps and took Guevara's through ball into the penalty area, Reis advancing to stop the shot. Guevara collected the rebound, but his shot was cleared off the line by Heaps.

"We are all on the same page defensively," Reis said. "We had three or four guys covering in goal on that play." The MetroStars began leaving open spaces as they pushed forward, and Noonan squandered several second-half chances, hitting the left post in the 66th minute. But Llamosa, who missed two games with a knee strain, helped settle the defense in the final minutes. . . .

Weymouth native Chris Bagley replaced Fabbro in the 81st minute. Bagley, who scored two goals in 21 games as Charleston won the A League title last month, earned the penalty kick (taken by Ralston) that decided the Revolution's 1-0 overtime win over D.C. United last week. "Definitely, as a local kid growing up, I wanted to play for the local team," said Bagley, who scored 71 goals for Saint Anselm College. "But it didn't become a reality until after I went and played professionally in the Carolinas."