Of late, Revolution not first-rate
The Revolution's 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls Saturday night kept them in first place in the MLS overall standings. The result improved the Revolution's record to 12-5-6 (42 points), equal to the pace set by the team two years ago on the way to the best regular season in its history.
The '05 Revolution were composed of many of the same players who were with the team Saturday night. Two years ago, the Revolution earned 17 points in their final nine matches to finish the season with a 17-7-8 record (59 points), but limped into the playoffs with several key players either suffering near-exhaustion or injuries and lost to Los Angeles in extra time in the MLS Cup.
This year, MLS teams will play 30 games -- two fewer than in '05 -- starting the playoffs Oct. 25. The Revolution also are competing in the US Open Cup, and a victory over the Carolina RailHawks Sept. 4 would qualify them for the Oct. 2 final.
But it is difficult to predict whether the Revolution will reach their peak going into the playoffs. The team has not varied its style of play or greatly changed personnel, but no longer has Clint Dempsey to break down defenses with powerful runs. The only significant roster change on the horizon is the likely addition of defender Dusan Petkovic, who would add experience and strength to the back line.
"Two years ago we played some really good soccer," said Revolution midfielder Steve Ralston. "But we need more consistency. We have one good game, one horrible game, a good game, a bad game."
In fact, though the Revolution are obtaining results, and they seldom lose (20 losses in the last three seasons), two 3-0 defeats this month indicate the team is far from invincible.
The Revolution set the tone against the Red Bulls, attacking incessantly and in varied ways. But, after surrendering a 30th-minute goal to Jozy Altidore, the Revolution struggled to break through the Red Bulls' defense.
Taylor Twellman scored 35 seconds into the second half off a Matt Reis goal kick. And the deciding strike was a 40-yard own goal that Carlos Mendes sent past goalkeeper Jon Conway. The Revolution, troubled by the advances of Dane Richards on the wing, nearly surrendered the tying goal in added time, as the team continues to have problems clinching results.
The Revolution appeared to break the habit of surrendering late goals but have not been as dominating as they were two years ago. They have won four games by more than one goal, two of those against Toronto FC. Despite compiling a 4-2 record in MLS matches this month, the Revolution were outscored, 7-6. This indicates the team is not managing games well. Though the Revolution are clearly one of the better teams in the league, they are seldom able to take an early lead and keep teams off balance for long periods of time. Instead, the Revolution are relying on effort, defensive resourcefulness, and the inspiration of supportive crowds (35,402 and 16,017 in the last two home games) to protect advantages.
"It was a great crowd and that was nice to see," Ralston said of Saturday's game. "It wasn't as big as the last time, but I thought it might fall off more. Instead, it was a really good crowd and they supported us and we feed off that."
Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at f_dellapa@globe.com. 
