Revolution strike just in time

FOXBOROUGH -- The Revolution regained their attacking rhythm and rediscovered their reserves, and Celtic FC finally found a way to score last night. The result was a 1-1 tie, Revolution substitute Ryan Latham scoring on the final kick of the game after Celtic's Rocco Quinn converted the Scottish club's first goal in five exhibition matches this year.

A crowd of 16,312 provided a lively atmosphere for Celtic's first visit to the Boston area since 1970.

The Revolution went forward early, returning to the 3-4-3 alignment that places in threatening positions Clint Dempsey and Andy Dorman on the right and Pat Noonan and Steve Ralston on the left. The Revolution's starters produced plenty of opportunities before coach Steve Nicol began substituting early in the second half, preparing for the team's visit to Houston Saturday.

But the Revolution's substitutes also performed well, forward Willie Sims producing threats and flicking a header on to Latham for the goal.

Celtic took the lead on Quinn's 80th-minute score. Latham, making his first appearance of the year, volleyed in the tying score after a Jay Heaps cross.

``That is what can happen if you get the shot on frame," said Latham, who has been out with a groin injury. ``I have just been trying to get fit and I am really eager to get back. I am about 80 to 85 percent fitness and there is no way I could go 90 minutes.

``I'm sure I did [score similar goals] in college, but this one was with 12 seconds to go against one of the higher-level European clubs. It was nice to score, for sure."

Heaps scored from an offside position in the 14th minute. Taylor Twellman headed on top of the net in 29th minute and had another header knocked over the bar by goalkeeper David Marshall 10 minutes later.

Referee Erich Simmons, whose last Gillette Stadium appearance included eight cautions and three ejections as the Revolution defeated Sporting Clube de Portugal, 2-1, May 19, 2004, issued three cautions in the first 31 minutes, and four for the game.

The Revolution switched to a 4-4-2 formation with the addition of Avery John in place of Ralston in the 60th minute. And the match opened up in the second half, Celtic eager to end a scoreless streak that included two losses in Poland and a loss to D.C. United (4-0) and a tie with CD Guadalajara (0-0) at Giants Stadium.

Dempsey had the Revolution's best chance in the second half, one-timing wide from a Twellman pass in the 65th minute.

But most of the second-half threats were from Celtic.

Substitute midfielder Evander Sno directed the midfield and Craig Beattie, Aiden McGeady, and Kenny Miller set up chances with crosses. Miller's cross rolled untouched through the goal area in the 66th minute.

Celtic took the lead as Derek Reardon went around Michael Parkhurst and had his shot deflected by Doug Warren, Quinn finishing past James Riley, who was in position to clear off the line but whiffed on the attempt.

The Revolution retaliated immediately, and Jose Cancela's free kick after Kyle Brown drew a foul was knocked over the bar by Marshall in the 81st minute.

Latham tied the score after a Heaps cross was flicked on by Sims, Latham chesting down and volleying into the far side of the net.

As the teams were getting into position for the kickoff, Simmons whistled the end of the match.

``When you lose a game it's always nice to get back on the field and put it right," said Nicol, referring to the Revolution's 3-1 loss to Real Salt Lake Friday. ``We had the first team starting basically the first half, and I thought we did well, so that's always good going into the next game."

When Celtic last visited Boston, there was no professional opposition available, so the match was played against a local all-star team before a full house of about 5,000 in Somerville. Now, Celtic is no longer a major power in Europe, and its drawing power has dwindled even more in recent months with the loss of players such as Roy Keane.

``I thought after the first half-hour, when we just moved the shape up a wee bit, it made something interesting," Celtic coach Gordon Strachan said. ``I was pleased with that in the second half. We look a bit stronger, but fitter. I'd like to make more changes. I still think we need to have more presence up front one way or another. I still think the most important part of your team is the front unit.

``We've enjoyed the last four days of training, and getting together without too much traveling. So that was good. I think the game was a bit better -- a long way from being what we would like, but it's a start."