Posted on 28 September 2008 by L.E. Eisenmenger
Saturday night the New England Revolution probably lost their last real chance to claim the Supporters’ Shield, and were shut out 1-0 to Eastern Conference leader Columbus Crew, who now lead with an eight-point advantage and are 6-0-1 in their last seven games. The Crew managed to dominate the match without star player Guillermo Barros Schelotto and playing a man down after defender Frankie Hejduk was ejected in the 65th minute.
Chad Marshall secured the win with a header off a corner kick by Robbie Rogers for his fourth goal of the season.
“Their defenders seemed to be just sitting in there waiting for us to make the run in,” said Marshall, “so I just held out far post and Robbie hit in a great ball, and [I] got lucky with a couple of picks or screens and was there to knock it in.”
Pat Noonan, Taylor Twellman’s former striking partner, started in place of Schelotto and highlighted the attacking chemistry that is unmistakably absent from the Revolution’s top third this season. Noonan threaded passes and delivered crosses to Alejandro Moreno, Rogers and Eddie Gaven, who worked together to batter the Revolution’s defense.
New England started a four-man back which had to work overtime given the lack of holding power in the top third, staffed by Taylor Twellman and 19 year-old Kenny Mansally. Although traditionally the Revolution have found success with a three-man back and a more aggressive five-man midfield, new international Gabriel Badilla was paired in the center with Michael Parkhurst, who might need a replacement as his contract expires this winter. Steve Ralston and Mauricio Castro worked the wings, and although Castro took one of the best shots of the night, a rocket into the sidebar, his forward presence was not enough.
At the hour mark, coach Steve Nicol switched to a three-man back line, pulling Badilla, adding Sainey Nyassi on the wing and pushing Ralston to a central role, and substituting Kheli Dube for Kenny Mansally on top. Nyassi’s successful runs down the line were negated by his inability to target the ball anywhere near a striker, and Dube sent wide a clear opportunity fifteen feet in front of the net.
Hejduk earned his second yellow card and was ejected in the 65th minute for interfering with Matt Reis as he attempted to punt the ball. Combined with the Columbus switch of Andy Iro for Noonan, the man advantage gifted the home team with all the opportunity they needed to turn the tables. The subsequent Wells Thompson substitution for Castro generated new momentum, switched the field, and set the Crew back on their heels. Jay Heaps, Shalrie Joseph, and Thompson crafted the most dangerous attacking plays, though Thompson’s only shot sailed wide. Thompson appears to have regained his confidence, which throughout the season was squandered on fouling attackers, and could make a difference in the playoff race. But the lack of play between the strikers remained the obstacle, with Dube and Nyassi attempting to prove themselves individually and Twellman positioning for service that never arrived.
The Crew’s tenacity and orchestration throughout the field left no doubt that they’re the likely candidates for the Supporters’ Shield and the team to beat in the MLS Cup.
“We haven’t made the playoffs the last two years, so we’re highly motivated and we know that it’s not a given,” said Sigi Schmid. “There were so many years that we were out of it, so our team is very focused and trying to take each opportunity for all its worth, wrap it with two hands and hold on to it.”
Match Facts
New England Revolution vs. Columbus Crew: September 27, 2008 – Foxborough, Mass. (Gillette Stadium)
Scoring Summary: CLB – Chad Marshall (Robbie Rogers) 35
New England Revolution: Matt Reis (GK), Jay Heaps, Michael Parkhurst, Gabriel Badilla (Sainey Nyassi 59), Chris Albright, Mauricio Castro (Wells Thompson 66), Shalrie Joseph, Jeff Larentowicz, Steve Ralston ©, Kenny Mansally (Kheli Dube 60), Taylor Twellman
Substitutes Not Used: Brad Knighton (GK), Amaechi Igwe, Pat Phelan, Chris Tierney
STATS: Shots 9; Shots on Goal 2; Saves 2; Corner Kicks 1; Offside 2; Fouls Committed 13
Columbus: William Hesmer (GK), Gino Padula, Danny O’Rourke, Chad Marshall, Frankie Hejduk ©, Robbie Rogers, Brian Carroll, Brad Evans (Ezra Hendrickson 88), Eddie Gaven (Emmanuel Ekpo 76), Pat Noonan (Andy Iro 67), Alejandro Moreno
Substitutes Not Used: Kenny Schoeni (GK), Jason Garey, Steven Lenhart, Duncan Oughton
STATS: Shots 13; Shots on Goal 4; Saves 2; Corner Kicks 5; Offside 5; Fouls Committed 12
Misconduct Summary: CLB – Frankie Hejduk (caution) 6 CLB – Frankie Hejduk (second caution/ejection) 65 CLB – William Hesmer (caution) 92+ NE – Shalrie Joseph (caution) 94+
Referee: Terry Vaughn
Attendance: 15,035
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