Revolution's Moore likes it

Moore started quickly at Everton, scoring eight goals despite arriving late in the 1999-2000 season. But as Moore's fortunes declined, the Revolution's improved. Now, thanks to a couple of Moore placements on set pieces last month against Columbus, the Revolution are not only in the playoffs but considered a strong contender to return to the Cup final.

The Revolution, who meet the MetroStars at Giants Stadium in the first of a two-game, total-goals playoff series tomorrow, have almost completely redeemed their image. The Revolution concluded the regular season with a 12-9-9 record, their first plus-.500 record in eight years of existence.

"This is the best team we have had since I've been part of the club," Moore said yesterday. "We started playing well at the right time and we are playing with confidence. Everyone is performing well, we are pretty healthy, and the way we are playing we have a chance to win the whole thing."

Moore has had a disappointing season. He was ejected after six minutes in the season-opener at Chicago in April, and injuries have limited him to 16 games. In fact, Moore has not performed since scoring on a free kick, then serving a corner for Shalrie Joseph's game-tying score, during a 3-2 overtime win over Columbus Sept. 28. That Moore free kick was probably the most important goal of the Revolution season; it was the first time the team scored directly on a free kick this season and broke up a shutout with 12 minutes remaining in regulation time. The result vaulted the Revolution out of last place and was their first home victory during a 6-0-1 finish.

"If we lose to Columbus, things could have gone another way," Moore said. "Everyone has done their part."

Though Moore used to score more often in his first days with the Revolution, he enjoyed the experience less. Even when the Revolution went on an 0-5-4 streak in July and August, the team was able to retain its composure. Previous Revolution teams tended to spiral during adverse situations.

"Hopefully, those days are gone," Moore said. "This team is not going to lose nine in a row. It's the quality of players in the team that make the difference. I don't know that we were playing all that bad [during the winless streak], it was just a bad call here or there. Or, it was a loss of concentration, like when New York came back to tie us [3-3 July 14] and the D.C. game [a 4-2 loss July 27], I've never seen that happen. But guys weren't hanging their heads after that."

Moore has apparently recovered from a left knee strain and will be available, likely as a reserve, tomorrow. Though Moore has had his least productive Major League Soccer season, the Revolution likely would not have advanced this far without him.

"Joe is a fit guy, and when he is not on the field, he works hard in the gym," Revolution coach Steve Nicol said. "Obviously, he is not going to be match sharp because he hasn't played.

"Nobody is more disappointed than Joe that he hasn't been able to play more. But he has scored four goals, given us some assists."

The Revolution have chalked up three successive wins over the MetroStars, including a 5-2 victory last week as the MetroStars rested eight starters.

"This is going to be a better game," Moore said. "It's the playoffs and everyone is going to go hard and work harder than normal. It will be a completely different game. They will have a better team on the field and with Eddie Pope in back there won't be the same amount of space for the two forwards." . . .

Captain Joe Franchino (left calf strain) missed practice yesterday and is questionable. Marshall Leonard, who has started the last four games, could replace him.