A nice switch for Revolution

FOXBOROUGH - The recurring nightmare of a 4-0 loss ended for the Revolution last night. After ending up on the losing end of 4-0 scores four times this season, the Revolution discovered what the winning side feels like.

The Revolution defeated Chivas USA, 4-0, in front of 7,606 at Gillette Stadium and improved to 12-7-5, moving 2 points behind Eastern Conference leader Columbus, which was idle.

The win was the first for the Revolution since a 2-1 victory against D.C. United Aug. 20 and their second since winning the SuperLiga championship Aug. 5. The stumble since the SuperLiga included back-to-back 4-0 losses to Joe Public FC (Sept. 2) and the Crew (Sept. 6).

"It's a much better feeling," said Revolution midfielder Steve Ralston, who had a goal and two assists. "More importantly, we got 3 points. It's been a while since we won a game."

Ralston's return was important. He missed two weeks because of back spasms and is considered a critical part of the Revolution's midfield. He has a team-high seven goals and seven assists.

Although the Revolution had several early opportunities to take the lead, it wasn't until the 53d minute that Ralston and Taylor Twellman teamed up for a goal.

The Revolution were pressing into the Chivas end with an open view of the field. Although Chivas fouled Shalrie Joseph, referee Jair Marrufo allowed play to continue as Twellman gave up the ball to Ralston to his right. Twellman continued sprinting toward the goal, splitting two defenders, as Ralston placed the ball perfectly for Twellman, who scored his 97th career goal to give the Revolution a 1-0 lead.

In the 83d minute, the Revolution scored the first of three goals in the final 10 minutes. Khano Smith's centering pass deflected in the middle of the field to Wells Thompson, who headed the ball to Ralston. Ralston stopped and passed the ball back to midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, who rocketed a shot from about 22 yards to give the Revolution a 2-0 lead.

Smith scored in the 91st minute and Ralston added another in the 92d.

"The important thing for us was to win the game, but four-nil seems to be the flavor of the month," Revolution coach Steve Nicol said.

His team was also on the losing end of a 4-0 score against the Fire April 3 and the Earthquakes Aug. 16.

If the Revolution wanted to take advantage of any match, it was last night's game against Chivas.

Chivas brought a depleted lineup to Gillette. Among key players missing were forward Maykel Galindo (hernia surgery), who led Chivas with 12 goals last season; goalkeeper Zach Thornton (thigh strain); and midfielder Sacha Kljestan, who played with the US men's national team in its 3-0 win against Trinidad and Tobago in World Cup qualifying Wednesday. And that was just the start for Chivas, which, like the Revolution, has pieced together lineups all season.

Chivas keeper Dan Kennedy was starting his second MLS match of the season, replacing Thornton, who was injured in a collision against Toronto FC last Saturday. It was Kennedy's third game of the season. Thornton has started seven games this season with a 1.76 goals-against average.

The Revolution have eight days off before returning to action Sept. 20 against Colorado.

Monique Walker can be reached at mwalker@globe.com