New England have a habit of messing up when it counts. Fortunately, we were able to pull off a win against Kansas City at home, a feat we haven't been able to accomplish in 11 previous attempts. The game was back and forth all night, and was as tactical as a game could have been. The genius of Steve Nicol and Curt Onalfo clashed in what has been one of the most exciting mental games I've seen. There have loads of better games in terms of skill, but rarely have I seen a better thinking game.
Both teams came out with their full squad, with the only major change being Avery John in for James Riley at New England's left back position. This was surely done as a method of cutting off Eddie Johnson, which when teamed up with Shalrie Joseph, was a terrific success.
The first half was a battle of keepers with former Los Angeles teammates Kevin Hartman and Matt Reis manning the posts for their respective teams. Both keepers were impressive in parrying shots, constantly being tested by the sublime skill in both teams attack. Hartman was forced to deal with the lethal Taylor Twellman and Pat Noonan combo, with support from Andy Dorman, Steve Ralston and Khano Smith, while Matt Reis was kept busy with MLS leading scorer Eddie Johnson and service from Carlos Marinelli. The first half ended with 17 total shots, two yellow cards, and a 0-0 scoreline. Hardly the game you'd expect from MLS' two top scoring clubs.
The second half however was a different story. Both coaches kept their original lineups, but had obviously changed tactics a bit. New England came out the aggressor in this half, with KC relying on the counter attack. In the 55th minute, Khano Smith belted a cross to Taylor Twellman, who wisely headed it towards Pat Noonan, finishing an easy ball and giving New England the 1-0 lead. The game seemed to switch to the defensive until the 80th or so minute, when both coaches started to make changes, Adam Cristman being one of them. With little time to play, Cristman recieves a ball at the half, give-and-goes it to Steve Ralston, who returns the service at the top of the box and an easy finish form the rookie give New England the insurance goal in the 91st minute.
New England keep their unbeaten streak on turf intact, beat a strong KC team, and cement 1st place in the East.....at least for the time being. Both teams played strong and the scoreline doesn't accurately reflect the play, but a win is a win and Revs fans can go home happy. With Kansas City off for over two weeks, and New England welcoming DC United and Los Angeles this week alone, you've got to hope that the Revolution can stake their claim on 1st place.
Man of the Match:
Avery John/Shalrie Joseph
I can't just give it to one as their tandem shut down KC's most dangerous threat in Eddie Johnson. The Caribbean duo's physicality took it's toll on Johnson, and allowed him only a handful of chances, the most dangerous being a Reis deflection that hit the post. Shalrie continues to do the dirty work while John seems to have finally impressed enough to replace James Riley in the starting left back position.
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