Minutes man Reis returns against LA

Taylor Twellman was jumping for joy after his goal in the 22d minute put the Revolution ahead. (Michael Dwyer/Associated Press)

FOXBOROUGH - Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis returned to the starting lineup last night against the Los Angeles Galaxy after missing two league starts for the first time since 2005. He played the full 90 minutes in the 2-2 tie and was credited with four saves.

Reis has been slowed since Aug. 16 by an adductor strain, which forced him out of a game against San Jose that ended in a 4-0 loss. Since the injury, Reis has continued training, joining the team in Toronto and Trinidad last week. On Friday, he participated in a full training session and said, "There's no pain or any issues."

Reis had played 89 consecutive regular-season matches since Aug. 27, 2005. His record for consecutive regular-season minutes was snapped at 7,975 when he left the San Jose game in the 55th minute.

With so many games left for the Revolution, Reis said, he wanted to make sure he took the time to be completely healthy.

"It's good to take a step back and reevaluate everything and get ready for the final stint of the season," Reis said.

"Just being a little more prudent at this time, in the long run, is going to help out."

Badilla on board
With the additional games and occasional injuries, the Revolution were more than happy to welcome Costa Rican defender Gabriel Badilla to the team. Badilla flew in Thursday night and joined the Revolution for training Friday before getting the start last night.

Badilla, 24, signed an MLS contract Aug. 18 after playing with Deportivo Saprissa of the Costa Rica Primera Division.

His experience includes helping his team win five national titles and a CONCACAF championship.

"It's important that you have as many players on your team that can handle the ball with ease, and he does that," said coach Steve Nicol.

As the Revolution wait for other players to get healthy, defender Jay Heaps said Badilla can boost the lineup.

"His reputation comes in very high, and I think that, given the chance, we're just going to get better as a team when you add quality players," Heaps said.

Getting to know him
David Beckham had his share of favorite players while growing up a fan of Manchester United in England. But the Galaxy midfielder acknowledged that Nicol wasn't among them, as the Revolution's coach played for Liverpool FC from 1981-95.

But this year, Beckham had an opportunity to get to know Nicol, who coached at the MLS All-Star Game in Toronto.

"I enjoyed working with Steve and [Revolution assistant coach Paul Mariner]," Beckham said. "To be honest, I never liked Steve as a kid because he played for Liverpool.

"It was nice to be coached by him because I've heard really good things about him. It's nice to see him again. He's a very good coach. He's done great here."