Revolution vet is hardly rusty

By Frank Dell'Apa, Globe Staff, 10/20/2003

Rusty Pierce is a Revolution old-timer, the only player remaining from the start of the 2000 season, when the team began a makeover that has resulted in three playoff appearances in four seasons.

But Pierce also is among the team's youngest starters -- he turned 24 July 24. And Pierce is displaying the maturity and tactical awareness to match his experience.

The Revolution's 2-1 win over the MetroStars at Giants Stadium Saturday night extended their unbeaten streak to six games, a late-season rally that has been keyed by solid defending and composed midfield play. The match was the first of four straight games between the teams. They'll meet in the regular-season finale at Gillette Stadium next Saturday and in a two-game, total-goals playoff series Nov. 1 and 8.

Columbus's victory over D.C. United yesterday guaranteed that the Revolution and MetroStars will finish second or third in Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference and meet in the first round of the playoffs. The Revolution would remain in second place with at least a tie Saturday, meaning they would host the second playoff match. Pierce, a central defender, has played an important role helping the Revolution earn a playoff berth for the second straight season.

"I have been blessed with two coaches -- Fernando Clavijo and Stevie Nicol -- who were great defenders," Pierce said. "And, playing alongside Carlos Llamosa, he teaches me so much. He doesn't even have to say anything. It's just his positioning. I just have to look at him when he is playing and I learn so much.

"I still have room to grow. But I have improved in my one-on-one defending and my ability to read the game."

Pierce began his Revolution career as a defensive midfielder, even scoring a goal in an exhibition match three years ago, before switching to right back. But Pierce has found a home at central defender under Nicol's guidance.

The Revolution have not surrendered more than two goals in a game since the week of Pierce's birthday -- they have a 7-4-2 record in all games since July 27 -- a defensive improvement that has allowed the team to regain its confidence. Six of those matches were decided in injury time or overtime.

"We haven't been allowing goals, but we are not a team that sits back and packs it in and defends," Pierce said. "We pressure high and force the other team to make mistakes." This often leaves the Revolution vulnerable to counterattacks. But the pressure has been relieved by the marking ability of the central defenders -- Llamosa, Pierce, and reserve Daouda Kante -- plus the cover of outside backs Jay Heaps on the right and either Joe Franchino or Marshall Leonard on the left, and the recovery ability of Shalrie Joseph in the defensive midfield.

The Revolution concluded the MetroStars match with a forward pairing of Chris Bagley and Pat Noonan, neither of whom were expected to be factors in the team's scoring until recently. The Revolution have used seven forwards this season, and all have contributed directly to victories. Dario Fabbro became the sixth Revolution striker to score, converting on a rebound of a Brian Kamler shot in the 15th minute against the MetroStars.

The Revolution are missing three record-setting strikers -- Chris Brown (three goals in his first start), Joe-Max Moore (42 career goals), and Taylor Twellman (25 goals last season). Moore (left knee sprain) could return for the playoffs, but Brown and Twellman (broken left feet) won't.

"We have lost some important players," Fabbro said. "But that leaves it up to the other players. We have all worked hard, and it reflects in what happens on the field."