Revolution down, then out in loss to Fire

LUDLOW -- Last night in the fourth round of the US Open Cup at Lusitano Stadium, the Revolution fulfilled two of coach Steve Nicol's wishes: respect the tournament and get some of the younger players some playing time.

They just couldn't come up with the third -- win the game.

The Chicago Fire, tied with the Revolution for first place in the MLS's Eastern Conference, controlled the play for 90 minutes but failed to snap a 1-1 tie. However, in overtime , the Fire scored twice within a four-minute span on the rubber-legged Revolution, who played without several of their most dangerous weapons. The Revolution scored a last-minute goal in overtime, but didn't have enough time or firepower to change the 3-2 outcome.

''They're not league points but they're pride points," said Revolution defender Jay Heaps, who was ejected in the second overtime after drawing his second yellow card of the game. ''The Open Cup is a great tournament and we're disappointed not to get the win."

The Fire, playing with most of their starters in the lineup, controlled the game with smart runs and precise passes, breaking through in the first overtime. In the 96th minute, Jesse Marsch's corner kick found the head of Will John, who flicked the ball toward C.J. Brown. The defender settled the ball and banged a shot past Doug Warren, giving the Fire a 2-1 lead.

Four minutes later, Chicago netted the eventual winner. After controlling a long pass, Andy Herron charged past Jeff Larentowicz and nailed a shot past Warren. In the 119th minute, Andy Dorman curled in a free kick to trim the Chicago lead, but the final whistle blew only moments after New England's second goal.

The Revolution play their next league game Saturday against the Kansas City Wizards at Gillette Stadium. The Fire advance to the quarterfinals of the Open Cup.

''I thought we played well enough but we ran out of gas," Heaps said.

New England was without Steve Ralston (concussion), Pat Noonan (sprained ankle), and Clint Dempsey (extended All-Star break). Also, Warren was making his first start in goal; Matt Reis has played in all 19 of New England's MLS games. Nicol sent out many of his reserves, including Larentowicz, Gilberto Flores, Connally Edozien, and Luke Vercollone, who have combined for 10 league games this season.

''Some guys needed to get some rest," said Nicol, who took out starters Taylor Twellman, Shalrie Joseph, and Ryan Latham at halftime. ''They've been either away or had an extra load making up for other players. But I felt like we respected the tournament. I have no complaints."

Except for his team's lack of scoring chances. Chicago keeper Zach Thornton didn't have to work much, his most difficult save coming late in the first half when he flashed a last-second kickout of a Twellman shot. The Fire boasted most of the opportunities, the best when Heaps, after Warren got caught out of the net, manned the goal line and headed away a Chris Rolfe strike in the second half.

The Fire opened the scoring when Ivan Guerrero lofted a left-footed cross from the left side of the penalty box to Herron. The forward cleared some space, settled the ball, and struck a shot that eluded Warren in the 18th minute. The Revolution responded four minutes later when Jose Cancela struck a corner kick into the box for Joseph, who flicked his dreadlocked head forward and bounced a fast-moving header between Thornton and the far post.

''The atmosphere was great," Joseph said. ''People wanted us to win, but we let them down. It was disappointing in that respect."