For Revolution, ugly does it
FOXBOROUGH -- The Revolution offense has mostly short-circuited this season. But with some of the team's top threats sidelined, defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz provided the difference as the Revolution took a 1-0 win over the Columbus Crew last night.
Larentowicz's 34th-minute goal, the first of his career, snapped a 288-minute scoreless streak as the Revolution (7-7-10, 31 points) broke a six-game (0-2-4) MLS winless streak and won at home for the first time since July 1.
``Jeff was big-time for us," said midfielder Shalrie Joseph, who picked up a yellow card and will be suspended for the Revolution's visit to Columbus Saturday. ``He was winning tackles and distributing the ball. Nobody expected him to score but we will take the three points if we can. Sometimes it's ugly but getting the points is big for us."
The Revolution created some excellent threats just before the goal, set up by Andy Dorman's volley off a corner kick.
But the Revolution faltered in the second half, despite performing with a man advantage after Joseph Ngwenya was ejected in the 64th minute. The Crew (5-12-8, 23 points) patiently attacked and controlled possession, earning a corner off a poorly-defended throw-in. The Revolution's James Riley was whistled for a handball off the corner kick in the 87th minute. Matt Reis preserved the advantage, diving right to deflect Eddie Gaven's penalty kick.
``We didn't move the ball and get it wide," Revolution coach Steve Nicol said. ``I don't think we looked to pass quickly enough, we didn't move the ball as quickly as we have been. But to play badly and win, we don't mind. I would rather have that than to be saying we played well and lost."
Willie Sims, replacing Pat Noonan (right hamstring) , improved the Revolution's speed in attack. Jose Cancela provided possession and a point of reference in midfield, drawing fouls and often freezing the Crew defense. And Dorman was effective on the right wing in place of Steve Ralston, who replaced Joe Franchino (suspended) on the left wing. But Columbus threatened in the early going and Joseph was cautioned for a foul on Jose Retiz in the 12th minute, and though the Revolution gained momentum as the half continued, they almost lost control of the game in the second half.
The game was decided as play opened up, both teams going quickly on attack following a 29th-minute sequence as Sims nearly took the ball off Gaudette. Columbus counterattacked and former Revolution defender Rusty Pierce missed with a left-foot shot as Reis cut the angle. The Revolution then went on a series of forays. Joseph fired wide left in the 30th minute. Taylor Twellman had a goal disallowed for offside , then was cautioned by referee Shane Moody in the 33d minute. A minute later, Ralston skimmed a ball through the goal area that was clipped over the net for a corner with Twellman waiting unmarked at the back post.
The corner led to a goal, though, as Dorman's volley ricocheted off Jay Heaps for Larentowicz to left-foot past Gaudette.
Ngwenya was ejected in the 64th minute after he grabbed Dorman following a clash between Dorman and Gaudette. Following a consultation with linesman and the fourth official, Moody cautioned Dorman and Gaudette and correctly showed the red card to Ngwenya, who appeared to grab Dorman by the neck. But the Revolution struggled to maintain possession and the Crew attacked effectively, despite being short handed. The Revolution failed to aggressively defend a throw-in, which led to a corner, Riley extending his arm to deflect the ball in the penalty area.
Reis also saved a Josh Wolff penalty in a Revolution 1-0 loss to Kansas City in the third game of the season and was in goal as the Revolution eliminated Rochester on penalty kicks in the US Open Cup Aug. 2. 