On top of their game
Revolution roll into first place
Since losing the 2005 MLS Cup to Los Angeles, the Revolution have gained some payback on the Galaxy. The Revolution's 3-2 victory over the Galaxy Saturday night in Carson, Calif., was their third successive win over LA since the '05 final.
Adam Cristman (47th minute) scored his first professional goal and Taylor Twellman scored in the 52d and 85th minutes, extending his league-leading total to six goals, as the Revolution (4-1-2, 14 points) extended their unbeaten streak to six games and took over first place in the Eastern Conference.
Now, the Revolution are preparing for Saturday's visit to Houston, which defeated them in last year's MLS Cup. This will be the Revolution's sixth away match among their opening eight games.
"If you are not picking up points, it can certainly be a tough beginning," Revolution coach Steve Nicol said yesterday. "It can seem like an uphill fight. But it's a good feeling if you do pick up points, and you know you have some home games coming up. But we are just going along and not overthinking anything."
The Galaxy's direct approach led to a Kyle Martino goal (14th minute), but New England recovered to dominate the opening half, then continued on the offensive in taking the lead in the first eight minutes of the second half. Los Angeles gained control, though, adding Cobi Jones on the right wing and forwards Nate Jaqua and Santino Quaranta in support of Landon Donovan. Tyrone Marshall's glancing header off a Donovan cross (84th) tied the score.
"That was a fantastic ball into the box and a fantastic header," Nicol said. "Sometimes you have to give the opposition credit. They were behind and you had to expect them to [increase their intensity]. You are always going to be under some pressure in games and I thought we defended very well. All our problems were on corners and service into the [penalty area] and Donovan put some great balls in there."
Seconds after Marshall's goal, though, the Revolution retaliated. Shalrie Joseph penetrated toward the penalty area, then found Pat Noonan on the right side, Twellman half-volleying Noonan's setup past goalkeeper Joe Cannon.
"That goal sums up where we are at the present time," Nicol said. "We didn't overly panic when we lost the goal and we made four or five passes and the ball was in the back of the net. It shows character and the belief we have in each other."
Noonan has made only two starts since returning from late-March hernia surgery and did not play in a 3-1 win over Chicago May 6. Cristman has brought energy and strength to the forward line, playing alongside Twellman, finally scoring after leading the team with five goals in the preseason.
"We tried to get [Noonan] back a wee bit too early," Nicol said. "But he is slowly getting there. Adam was doing well, but to be able to bring on someone with that ability is great for us."
Revolution midfielder Steve Ralston flicked on Andy Dorman's free kick to set up Cristman, gaining the 113th assist of his MLS career, one behind Carlos Valderrama's league record. Joseph was a force in midfield and also a dominant figure in defense as the Revolution resisted a spirited Galaxy rally.
"It kind of shows us where we are, we are playing solid as a team, and everyone is doing their best and contributing," Nicol said. "There are no easy games, home or away; they are always going to be hard games. But we haven't picked up any points we haven't deserved."
Colorado, guided by former Revolution coach Fernando Clavijo, took over first place in the Western Conference with a 1-0 win at New York. 