The Revs' Joseph remained at Burpo's side throughout, but the sound and impact of the collision deeply affected the Revs' Sainey Nyassi, who was nearby and had to be consoled by coach Steve Nicol before play resumed.

Burpo was replaced by Bobby Shuttleworth, the team's third-string keeper. Marko Petrovic scored first for the Revs, on a pass from Joseph. Tim Reim scored as well, but the Red Bulls had tied the match before Joseph's brilliant pass that Zach Schilawski headed in for the deciding goal. The Red Bulls played the end of the game down two men after red cards were issued.

The New England team said Burpo injuries were diagnosed after examination by staff from Massachusetts General Hospital. Reis was eligible to come off the disabled list on Saturday.

"It was a horrific injury,'' Joseph said in a television interview at halftime. He said he and coach Nicol were trying to revive the team, to lift them up, "to win this one for Preston.''

Also asked about his monthlong departure from the team, in which he entered rehabilitation after testing positive for marijuana, Joseph thanked fans for standing by him and added: "I'm sorry I let down my team and my family. ... From now on, I just have to make better decisions.''