MLS: D.C. United 2, Revolution 0


All good things must come to end, so too with the New England Revolution's undefeated streak, which ends at RFK Stadium at 11. D.C. United are the better team, especially in the first half.

From the start, D.C United are pressing hard, showing the good form that has characterized their recent performances. New England push back after a few minutes, but their play is spotty. In the 10th minute, off a corner, Reis flails at the ball, Franschino fails to clear, and Quaranta heads on target for D.C. United. Jay Heaps, desperately tries to head it off the line, but it bloops in anyway.
Just two minutes later, Jaime Moreno takes it from the left and cuts towards the center. He leaves Parkhurst in the dust, and races across to take a blistering shot with Dempsey chasing haplessly. It is very quickly 2-0.
Moreno continues to cause real problems for Parkhurst and the rest of the defense, his combination of speed and skill is too much for the three-man back line. Only a great Reis one-versus-one save prevents Moreno from scoring again in the 26th.
After the half hour mark, New England adjusts, tying D.C. United up in the midfield. In the 49th United's goalie Rimando gets in the face of forward Smith, earning a yellow with his temper. The quality of the game improves, with end-to-end action as New England try to come up with goals and D.C. United counter-attacking. A Dorman chip forces a good save from Rimando in the 59th. At the other end, Edozian heads strongly in the 73rd, but hits the woodwork.
Rimando saves well twice in the final minutes of the game. Two long injury breaks steal the Revolution's momentum, and time runs out on New England's unbeaten streak. The more serious problem for New England is scoring goals now, hopefully the return of Taylor Twellman from injury will help here.

Posted: Sun - June 19, 2005 at 10:01 AM          

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