New England loses 4th MLS Cup since 2002

So it happened...again. New England managed to fall short at the final hurdle of the MLS season, losing 2-1 in its 3rd straight MLS Cup final and 4th in 6 years.
I think the thing that hurts most about this lost was how everything pointed to a New England win. They were healthy and rested, experienced and playing far from Texas. Houston was missing two of its best players and would surely have a letdown after last years victory.
New England had a lead. Twellman had a great header and the 1st half was securely New England's. The hope was they would go through the post season unscored upon. It was not to be.
A scrappy soft goal by Ngueyna and a brilliant header by that thorn of a great player, De Rosario saw the revs fall behind.
The revs almost tied it, had some good chances, no greater than when Onstead had to save a point blank header from Jeff Larentowivcz, while falling down in the 87th minute. It was not to be however.

What I hate is how undeserving the Revs are of this. Steve Nicol has built a team that has been as consistent as any other except perhaps Houston and thats only in terms of Cups won. Nicol deserves the vindication of his brilliance with his title. Twellman has been underrated forever and deserves a title. Shalrie Joseph, perennial MVP candidate deserves a title for his excellence, commitment and skill.

The Revs have lost again and their is no joy for this soccer fan. We did win the US Open Cup this year, our first major title ever and I have t-shirt that attests to that fact. Until the Revs do win the Cup I will treasure that shirt, its the only hope I have that the Revs will eventually get what they have shown they are so capable of, a full out league title.

Here's to next season.

REVS qualify for 3rd straight MLS CUP

So I attended my second Revs game in a week and came away happy again, the Revs vanquishing the Fire 1-0 on a brilliant bicycle kick goal by Taylor Twellman that literally was conjured for nowhere it seemed. It was a hard-fought game and the Revs got aces all around.
To put it simply (if a bit lamely) the REVS simply had more fire than the Fire did. 50/50 balls were almost a foregone conclusion with New England almost always winning them. Special honors go to Avery John here who was heroic in always going for the ball and being successful at it too. He was incredible. If Joseph wasn't so good, John would be my favorite player.
Reis had 10 saves, quite impressive and Thompson, rookie extraordinare has really come into his own. He still doesn't have that lethal final touch but he had some great possessions, runs and of course he crossed the ball that Twellman made count.

One brief word about the Fire. I can't believe they beat DC. Blanco is shameful. He is on his butt more than he is playing. He may be skilled and I know it's good he is in the league but his style is little more than that of a diving, whining, pansie. I thought he was Greg Louganis at one point. I hope he enjoys his long off season break in Mexico.

Now its on to the MLS CUP. If the Revs want to shed their label as MLS' Buffalo Bills they must win. They must score in first half and then hopefully put their oppenent away with a second and third goal. They have made 6 straight Eastern Conference finals and won 4 they are only missing one thing.

I'll have a preview next week.
Till then GO REVs!

Revolution are going to the conference championship!

So I went to the playoff game at Gillette stadium this Saturday night. It was quite an experience.
The remnants of hurricane noel were present and not only was it cold and rainy it was ridiculously windy. When I opened my car door it almost got blown into the vehicle next to me. I was beginning to think this was a bad idea but it turned out ok. It was cold but I was prepared and it stopped raining by halftime.
On to the game action. Only one goal but I had great seats and was totally into it whole time. In first half Revs had more chances but both teams had balls go just wide or over.
In 2nd half, Shalrie Joseph has a fabulous pass to Ralston who lays it off for Twellman who just manages to get it in the near post as the NY keeper and defenders try to kick it out. The stadium erupted and I was very happen. NY fought back admirably but failed to equalize.
The Revs now have qualified for their 6th straight conference final and our a win away from their 3rd straight MLS Cup Final.
Chicago is a hot team but the Revs are at home and I am hesitant to say that this is their year finally.
Depending on the weather my prediction is NE 3, Chi 1.
Heres to the Revs.

Also if anyone wants to go to the game email me.