Close but no hurrah

Taylor Twellman is experiencing his least-productive season with the Revolution, but the striker is displaying flashes of his former self. His scoring instincts and timing appear to have returned.

There was little meaningful offense generated by the Revolution and D.C. United in a 0-0 tie at Gillette Stadium Saturday. Twellman, though, nearly decided the match with a spectacular strike from the edge of the penalty area in the second minute of added time.

Only recently has Twellman regained the level of confidence that spurred him to convert 38 goals in his first two MLS seasons. Twellman scored 15 goals in 22 games last season, missing eight games with illnesses and injuries. This season, Twellman has converted five goals, two of them in losing causes, which could indicate the Revolution have learned to live without his scoring -- so far. The Revolution (5-9-9) are a point ahead of Chicago in the race for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot and Twellman certainly will be a key player down the stretch.

The Revolution's first meeting with D.C. United gives a reflection of the season. Twellman missed a penalty kick, then strained his hamstring as United took a 1-0 victory, its only road win of the season. Twellman was out for the next six games, then returned for back-to-back matches with Chicago, scoring twice in a 3-1 win that could be crucial in settling a potential tiebreaker.

Twellman spent much of Saturday's match out of touch with the midfield, a carryover from the previous week, in which Twellman provided the first goal but the Revolution failed to protect the lead in a 2-1 loss to Kansas City. The Revolution struggled with possession, only Jose Cancela launching accurate passes to Twellman before being substituted at halftime against United. Then, Pat Noonan moved to forward in a 3-5-2 alignment. Noonan has scored 17 goals in his last 33 games, compensating for Twellman's absence, but the fact is both have thrived without the other in the lineup.

Noonan and Twellman grew up as rivals and teammates in St. Louis and have a similar understanding of the game, but their effectiveness as a forward pair is questionable. Often, contrasting characteristics are most effective: a small, speedy striker alongside a physically imposing, but slower, partner. Noonan and Twellman seldom have been paired for long stretches, but they complemented each other well in the second half against United. Noonan found Twellman for a shot off the post in the 61st minute, then for the last-gasp attempt.

On Twellman's final shot, the ball popped up off his heel, but he reacted quickly and volleyed the shot, the trajectory of the ball leaving defenders no chance, and a leaping play by goalkeeper Troy Perkins tipped the ball off the crossbar.

"It's unfortunate the goal got in the way," Twellman said.

Twellman said he was frustrated after the match, but his demeanor was optimistic.

"I was not 100 percent but I am starting to feel better," Twellman said. "It might be more mental; that was my first hamstring injury."

The Revolution were disappointed with the tie, but the point edged them ahead of Chicago, which fell to Dallas Saturday night. The Revolution have lost once in the last nine matches (2-1-6) and have added former England national team defender Steve Howey, who played the first half Saturday and likely will start against San Jose following the US-El Salvador World Cup qualifier at Gillette Stadium next Saturday.