Pros

Twellman, Revs Tame Wizards By Sean Donahue
Striker's goal gives NE 1-0 victory
August 20, 2007
Taylor Twellman struck in the 72nd minute and the Revolution held on for an extremely important 1-0 win at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday night.

Missing key starters Steve Ralston and Pat Noonan to injury and losing Jay Heaps just before halftime with an injury of his own, the Revolution managed to grind out a positive result against Eastern Conference foe Kansas City. New England looked a completely different side from the one that had lost 3-0 to Colorado just three days prior and limited the Wizards to very few chances.

Taylor Twellman struck in the second half for the Revolution. (Photo credit: Joyce Furia)

Shalrie Joseph proved catalyst in the game winner when he sprung Khano Smith free of the defense down the left flank. Smith dribbled into the box and sent a perfect curling pass just out of the reach of Wizard's keeper Kevin Hartman. Twellman slid in and tapped the ball into the open net for his 10th goal of the season.

The Revs looked the better team from the opening whistle and Twellman threatened just a minute into the match. Allowed to dribble into the box, Twellman unleashed a hard shot to the far post that Hartman could only tip wide for a corner.

Seven minutes later Joseph threatened from distance. Hartman saved the shot, but gave up a big rebound that fell to Andy Dorman. The Welsh midfielder was unable to control the ball and the Wizards managed to clear.

The Revs next pair of good chances both came off Dorman set pieces. The first in the 16th minute saw Adam Cristman send a diving header just wide of the mark. Jeff Larentowicz had a similar fate in the 54th minute, sending his header high of the goal.

Though the Wizards kept making offensive substitutions as the match were on, they were unable to really test Matt Reis. For his league leading 9th shutout, Reis only needed to make a single save, punching away a Carlos Marinelli free kick at the hour mark.

The win leaves the Revs with a six point lead in the Eastern Conference, though they have played more matches then any other team.