Chivas USA, Quakes settle for draw

CARSON, Calif. -- Chivas USA and the San Jose Earthquakes split the points in a scoreless draw Saturday at The Home Depot Center that saw the home team create a number of chances that were left unfinished.

Though many players on both sides were changed from the last time the two teams met, the teams played a near mirror image of their earlier clash. Both matches were played without any goals on the scoreboard for most of the game.

In the previous meeting on July 5 at The Home Depot Center, Ante Razov managed to strike in the 88th minute via a stunning free kick goal to give Chivas USA a 1-0 win.

With the Western Conference standings so tight, both Chivas USA and San Jose had a chance to make a playoff push, but the points needed to be gained immediately to pull one team or the other out of the conference cellar.

Both clubs have been heading in opposite directions coming into the match. While the Earthquakes had been unbeaten in their last five matches, Chivas USA had not won a game in their last five tries. Chivas USA's last win came against the Earthquakes on July 5.

With the result the Earthquakes remain in last place in the Western Conference with nine matches remaining. However, only five points separate them from second-place Real Salt Lake. Chivas USA, meanwhile, moved into a tie for fourth place.

In the first half of play, both teams seemed a bit tentative, perhaps unwilling to risk a loss. The best chance for Chivas USA came on a free kick in the 30th minute. Razov took it, looking to repeat his wonder goal of the previous game, but his bending ball missed the near post.

Sacha Kljestan, in his first Chivas appearance since returning from Olympic and national team duty, took a threatening shot on goal in the 45th minute. Joe Cannon was able to make the save, sending the teams into the halftime break scoreless.

Several Chivas USA players had chances to be the hero for the team in the second half.

Razov hit a low shot in the 52nd minute that trickled wide of the goal. Chivas USA were enjoying the majority of the possession and creating chances, but the Quakes were able to close down the final shot to deny a goal. Jason Hernandez was especially active for the Quakes on defense, denying chances for his former Chivas USA teammates.

Chivas USA fans cheered wildly in the 73rd minute, thinking their team had scored, but Alecko Eskandarian was offside when he beat Joe Cannon with a low shot to the far post.

The Chivas USA defense was then pressed into service, as goalkeeper Zach Thornton helped turn back a flurry of Quakes chances.

Perhaps remembering the goal scored in the final moments of their earlier clash, both teams pressed hard as time wound down. They traded opportunities for the game-winner.

Razov picked off a poor backpass in the 89th minute and was into the box immediately, looking to strike. But a defender toe-poked the ball away just in time.

The Quakes then had a chance late in stoppage time. Chivas USA cleared a corner, but a throw-in deep in Chivas USA's half led to a charge in the box by Huckerby. Thornton saved his low shot, keeping the clean sheet for his team.


Good start for Karlsruhe
Dynamo settle for draw with Chivas
Earthquakes flex defensive muscles
Terry & Essien Delighted After ‘Rollicking’

Crew topple Real Salt Lake in style

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Scoring three goals was nice, as was the most emphatic victory in more than two months, but the way the Columbus Crew got their 3-0 win against Real Salt Lake was just as pleasing to winning coach Sigi Schmid.

The Crew were able to penetrate the five-man Colorado midfield to create numerous opportunities to get a penalty kick and two assists from Guillermo Barros Schelotto and goals from defender Chad Marshall and midfielder Brad Evans.

"We're happy we got the shutout. That was important to us. We scored two good goals on set pieces but they were set up because people were getting behind their defense. It's one of those things we really tried to concentrate on this week in practice," Schmid said. "We tried to concentrate on our spacing and getting behind the defense and by getting behind the defense it caused them to foul us and those fouls set up the set pieces."

The Crew took a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute thanks once again to the crossing ability of Schelotto. Schelotto drew a foul from defender Robbie Russell 25 yards to the left of goal. From the free kick, he sent an arcing ball to the far post aimed at the 6-4 Marshall, who got behind Kenny Deuchar and headed it past goalkeeper Nick Rimando.

"We practice this because we know Chad is very good with head balls," Schelotto said.

Marshall has a career-high three goals after scoring four in the previous four seasons.

"I know he's looking for me in the box," Marshall said. "He served a great ball. I saw it was going to the far post so I faked inside and went back. It was perfect ball. It was a pretty easy finish."

Schelotto netted his fifth goal after Eddie Gaven got free in the right side of the box, cut back and was taken down by defender Nat Borchers. From the spot, Schelotto laced a shot from the spot to the lower right corner, giving Rimando no chance to make a save. Schelotto is 4-for-4 penalties this season.

"The secret is to be relaxed when you take the ball," said Schelotto.

The match was in contrast to the 2-0 loss Real Salt Lake administered on the artificial turf of Rice-Eccles Stadium on July 12.

"When we were at Salt Lake they threw everything they had at us from the get-go. I guess it's our turn to throw everything we had at them from the get-go," Evans said. "We turned them around early and had a few chances to finish them. The last time it was different on turf, no excuses. This time we knew what we had to do: Keep the ball, spray it out wide and keep it to zero and finish our chances. We did that."

It was Schelotto again in the 55th minute with a leading pass down the right flank to Gaven. After several dribbles, Gaven sent a cross to the penalty spot for Evans who netted with a crisp header for his fourth goal of the year and second in as many games. The assist was the MLS-best 14th for Schelotto.

"The third goal was as well played a goal as you could get," Schmid said. "It was a ball from Guillermo to Eddie but Eddie made a run to get behind. Eddie's cross was right in the box. That's the way you draw it up on the board."

Goalkeeper Will Hesmer got his fifth shutout and didn't have to make a save until stopping Andy Williams in the 71st minute. Hesmer also made a diving stop to his right by Russell in the 76th.

"After the 3-0 lead, I took Guillermo out because he took a knock on his ankle," Schmid said. "He always wants to play 90 minutes but I felt there was an opportunity for another whack they way they were playing and then we dropped off a little too much. We defended too much, we gave them too much space. We made Hesmer earn the shutout."

The Crew's second consecutive win -- and largest margin since a 3-0 win at Kansas City on June 14 -- moves them into a first-place tie with New England in the East Conference and the overall standings.

"We're playing better. We believe in ourselves," said Schmid. "Our spacing in the first half was really good. We were aggressive. If we continue to play that way, that's good but it was set up because of good defending. They didn't get the opportunity to play a lot of balls over the top and when they did Danny O'Rourke and Chad Marshall were up to the challenge."


Crew looking for consistency in back
Bundesliga: top for goals

Davino injury puts Moor in spotlight

FRISCO, Texas -- In his four seasons in MLS, FC Dallas defender Drew Moor has shown his versatility. The Dallas native has played both as a fullback and a center back, whether in a three-back alignment or in a back four.

With FCD captain Duilio Davino out with a toe fracture and Adrian Serioux continuing at right back, Moor has moved into central defense for the last two games, where he has been paired with Aaron Pitchkolan. In those matches, the Hoops have kept one clean sheet and allowed just two goals. It's a pairing that will continue this weekend as Davino is still out.

"I think he's a solid defender in this league and a great leader," said FCD head Schellas Hyndman. "Losing Duilio, he has really stepped in. All we wanted to do was get Drew (Moor) into a central position. I think he's a better center back than he is a flank back. I think Drew brings more of those leadership qualities. Part of leadership is communication and I think he does a good job of that. He communicates well with everyone and they feel more comfortable back there. I think in many ways, Drew is part of the reason we have found some success back there."

Moor wouldn't call being in the middle more comfortable, but he did characterize that spot as being a more natural one.

"I wouldn't say it's necessarily a comfort thing, I think I feel that's a little bit more my spot," he said. "I think in terms of comfort, I'm pretty comfortable at right back because I have played there for a year and a half now. Center back comes to me a little bit easier because it's easier to keep things in front and it's easier with the ball. I'll step in wherever (Hyndman) feels most comfortable with me."

Moor admits that playing inside with Pitchkolan is something he enjoys, especially considering that they both joined FCD in 2005 and have played together ever since.

"I think he plays a lot like me," Moor said of Pitchkolan. "We communicate a lot. It's all about recognizing when to step, when to stay and when to pass guys on. He and I have a feel for each other. I think a lot of that has to do with us being here for three and half years now and playing together all this time. We've been on the field together a lot. He's very versatile and that helps me and our partnership."

Pitchkolan has also noticed how much Moor has meant to the FCD backline, no matter where he plays.

"Obviously, we've known each other for a while after coming out the same year. It's been 3-1/2 years that we've been playing together. When you've been playing with someone for that long, you know their tendencies and understand each other. I think that helps a lot," he said. "I think he's shown versatility. He played left back in college and has played right back and center back here. I think he's comfortable in all those positions."

FCD holding midfielder Pablo Ricchetti has also taken notice of the solid play behind him.

"I don't know where he prefers to play but I think he can play well at right back as well as at center back," Ricchetti said. "We've done very well in our last few games. I think that's what is important, that we are working well together on defense. It doesn't matter who plays where, we are doing good work. Things are going well and hopefully we can keep it at that level or maybe raise it a little bit to benefit the team."

After starting the year playing on the right side in the 3-5-2, Moor admits he is better suited to play in the 4-4-2 that Hyndman has finally put in place.

"With the personnel that we have on this team right now, I think the 4-4-2 is better," he said. "You get the width with both midfielder and outside back. Defensively, you have an extra guy in the back. I think it's just something that this team responds to a little bit better."

The year has been an eventful one for Moor. Besides the coaching change at FCD and the switch in formations, he has also played for the U.S. national team on three occasions, most recently in a World Cup qualifier at Barbados on June 22.

"It (this year) has definitely been a little bit of a rollercoaster ride but something that I think has helped me grow in confidence," he said. "I've gotten call-ups which have been great. I've gained valuable experience at the international level and want to hopefully continue to be called in. I just want to continue doing well here for FC Dallas.

"I think Schellas (Hyndman) has come in, done a great job and the players have responded to him so well. I think we're starting to bring the best out of each other," Moor continued. "I know I'm definitely excited about the last 10 games of the season and then going into the postseason. I just want to continue to work hard and hopefully get some call-ups as well."


Hyndman finds positives in loss
Season Over For Arteta

Improved Crew eye benchmark

COLUMBUS -- On the list of ways to improve the team and make the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2004, two items were crossed off after the last match and another big one looms for the Columbus Crew on Saturday when they play host to Real Salt Lake.

A 2-1 win against FC Dallas gave the first-place Crew their 10th win of the season and sixth in Crew Stadium, surpassing both totals of last season.

"We want to keep winning at home. We have one more win than we had last year (at home). I don't think that's enough," midfielder Robbie Rogers said of the 6-2-2 record.

With an overall record of 10-6-4, the Crew have 10 games to equal last season's unflattering total of 37 points in 30 games. Don't think for a moment that's not a big deal.

"Of course, we have those (numbers) in the back of our heads," midfielder Brad Evans said. "The most important thing is winning. We'll take it one half at a time, score the goals we need to score and we'll do the job. We're getting closer to our point total with 10 games left so our goal is to eclipse that. The wins will come; we'll ride this wave and see what happens."

Coach Sigi Schmid broached the subject during his postgame press conference on Saturday and judging from comments from the players it was a hot topic in the locker room prior to the match.

"We have 34 points now. If we win the next game it's very important, we have the same points as last season with nine games left," defender Gino Padula.

Schmid said the Crew's place in the Eastern Conference standings is not relevant at the moment. With New England hosting D.C on Wednesday and Chicago at Los Angeles the following night, the Crew could enter their next match in third place.

"I'm not focused on first, second or third. I'm just focused on the points. What we talked about before the game is that by the end of next Saturday (vs. RSL) we want to have 37 points. We want to have the same amount of points in 30 games last year then we can start adding some things on that," Schmid said. "That's our goal. If that puts us in first place, great. That's a great place to be and a reflection of what this team has done and what has worked for us. We want to get more points and more points."

The Crew understand they are getting closer and closer to having enough points to qualify for the postseason.

"I think everybody who breaks 40 should get in," Rogers said. "The East is very strong and everyone's starting to make the final push. If you get 41, 42 you should be all right but I don't want to say that and jinx it."

Said Padula: "If we get to maybe, 43 points in the next in four games we're in the playoffs."

"I want that little asterisk next to the Columbus that says 'clinched a playoff spot,'" Schmid said. "Whether that happens when we're in first place, second place or third place doesn't matter to me as long as that asterisk gets next to our name as soon as possible.

"There are only four teams that have a winning record, maybe five. ... To be one of the few teams to have a winning record, you have to remember, MLS is set up for everybody to go .500. That's the real prognosis of the league. They'd like to see everybody .500. When you're above .500 that means you're doing something right."

Such as rallying again for a good result. In the previous two home matches they fell behind 2-0 but forged draws. FC Dallas went up on the 100th career goal by former Crew striker Jeff Cunningham in the 35th minute before Guillermo Barros Schelotto set up goals by midfielder Brian Carroll and Evans in the 62nd and 65th minutes for the win, despite being outplayed in the opening half.

"The difference between this year and last year is they can have a bad moment like that -- as I said to Robert (assistant coach Warzycha) when we were sitting there, if we get in (at halftime) only down 1-0 that's good," said Schmid. "We didn't get annihilated the first half even though we played poorly and we had the character to come back and get three points.

"Every time you play the game you've got to figure out a way to win. You have to figure out how to win when you're not playing well. You've got to figure out how to win when you're playing well and when you're dominating games. At Houston two weeks ago I thought we were the better team and got nothing. At Colorado we probably got outplayed a bit and got something."


Arminia Bielefeld: home form the key to survival
Champions poor on the road
Stoic Moreno providing Crew big lift

Serioux answering Hyndman's call

FRISCO, Texas -- Before an August 3 match at Toronto FC, FC Dallas defender Adrian Serioux had never before played right back. Not in his formative years growing up in the Toronto area, nor during his two-year stint in England, or while a member of the 2006 MLS Cup champion Houston Dynamo.

But that didn't stop FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman from inserting the Canadian international into that spot. So far, Serioux has delivered results.

"Adrian (Serioux) is one of those lucky/unlucky athletes," Hyndman said. "He's so versatile that he gets moved around a lot. That's the unfortunate thing about Adrian but it's also a fortunate thing because his game has improved throughout his career because he's been moved around and has been forced to use his left foot."

So far this year, Serioux has also played at left back and center back, as well as a defensive midfielder. But he admits playing on the right side feels more natural since he is right-footed.

"I don't think it's really a matter of me being comfortable," he said. "My right foot is my dominant leg and whatever dominant foot you have is the side that you're preferred on. Being on the right side, it's not much different from being on the left. But that still allows me to go forward, the freedom to overlap and get involved in the attack. It's still a comfortable position along the backline and something I will have to deal with."

This season, Serioux has started and played in 16 matches for FCD. He also has contributed two assists but none was bigger than when in a 2-1 loss at Columbus on August 16, he assisted on Jeff Cunningham's 100th goal of his MLS career.

"It was just an opportunity where I felt like I could take on one guy and the space just opened up," Serioux said. "I feel grateful for Jeff to get his 100th goal. I know he's been waiting for it. I'll take it in stride. I'm still waiting for my check but it's a great accomplishment for him and I'm happy for him."

Serioux was joking about the check from Cunningham but admits playing right back is still a very new experience.

"I've never played right back," he said. "So, it's a totally new position. It's all new to me now but I'm one of those guys who have to pretty much adapt to playing multiple positions. Not a lot of guys are thrown into multiple positions and can adapt. So, I feel privileged and it's an advantage for me to be able to do that."

Other than the extensive action he has seen with FCD, Serioux has also been called in to the Canadian national team on a number of occasions this year, something he labels ass very rewarding, especially considering that he missed much of 2007 with a knee injury.

"From last year, with the injuries and stuff like that, it was difficult for me after missing the Gold Cup," he said. "It has been a rollercoaster for everyone but that's part of our job. People come in, people go and there are changes happening every so often and we have to just take it in stride, adapt to it as quickly as possible and not let it affect us when it comes to game time."

His latest action came last Wednesday in a World Cup qualifier against Jamaica that was played in his hometown at BMO Field.

"It was actually great," Serioux said. "Usually, when we play in Canada with the national team, it feels like we're at home but away. In Toronto, we had a great base of Canadian support there and it was a great atmosphere."

Serioux said he and his teammates are more comfortable playing in the 4-4-2 that Hyndman has installed compared to the 3-5-2 that was employed by Steve Morrow earlier in the year.

"It's just an extra man that the offense has to work through," he said. "There's less risk as far as when you make a mistake that could be costly. Playing with four in the back, most guys are comfortable with that because that's how they grew up playing. You don't usually play three in the back there, so it's one of those things that you just adapt to. It's just one of those things that you feel comfortable in and with everyone right now."


Season Over For Arteta
Ricchetti finds role with rolling Hoops

McCarty bringing Olympic experience home

FRISCO, Texas -- The result might not have been as hoped for and the stay shorter than planned, but third-year FC Dallas midfielder Dax McCarty is ready to bring his U.S. Olympic team experience to his club for the homestretch of the Major League Soccer season.

In China, McCarty saw action in one match. His last league appearance came July 19, which was his first start since April 24. But following surgery for a sports hernia which forced him out of action in May and June, McCarty said his time with the U.S. Olympic team has helped him feel sharper on the field.

"I think being able to be over there with the trainers 24/7 and being able to get treatment really did wonders for my back and groin," McCarty said. "I feel really good. I'm definitely hoping that this keeps up and that I can get to 100 percent because I haven't felt that way in a really long time. It feels good to finally train without any little problems here and there."

FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman is glad to have his young midfielder back in the fold.

"We're very glad to have Dax back and glad that he has the experience of going to the Olympics," Hyndman said. "It's a lifetime dream for him but we're also happy to have him back. He looks sharper. He looks healthier and there's a spot for him on this team."

If McCarty is to return to the starting 11, he would do so either at the attacking midfield spot, which is currently held by rookie Eric Avila or wide on the right, where Andre Rocha has played and struggled for the second half of the season.

"I think it's one of those two (spots)," Hyndman said. "Part of this environment is competition and players don't like it. They would rather know that they're starting all the time. All of a sudden, there's a new striker in town in Jeff Cunningham and somebody is going to be off. When we get Dax back and he's healthy, somebody could also be off."

While Hyndman had expressed a preference to play a 4-4-2 system before McCarty had left, the Hoops were still mainly playing a 3-5-2. But since going to China, the 4-4-2 has been settled on, and McCarty is looking to establish his place in the team.

"I'm comfortable anywhere in the midfield and I think Schellas knows that. Everyone knows that I'm a pretty versatile guy. I think my best position is in the middle of the field, where I can get forward and defend," McCarty said.

"A more attacking role is something I would relish and have no problem with. I feel like my qualities going forward are good enough to play that spot. But I'm a two-way midfielder. I like to defend and help out in there. If I'm playing out wide or in the middle, it doesn't really matter to me. I just want to be on the field. It's going to be a fight to get my spot back and I have no problem with that. I just want us to win and hopefully I can be part of it."

But that doesn't mean he wouldn't bring plenty to the right flank.

"I feel like my services are good from out wide," McCarty said. "It's definitely a position that I'm comfortable with and have played before with other coaches. Schellas knows what I can do, how effective I can be out wide and how effective I can be in the middle."

However, McCarty realizes that he can't just start training again and reclaim his starting spot right away. That is something he knows will take time.

"You can never just come in and walk right back into the lineup," he said. "There's a little bit of a time period where you have to prove yourself all over again. I'm just looking to do that and the main thing is that our team is winning. If our team is winning, then I'm happy."

After returning last week, McCarty told Hyndman he could play some at Columbus, but the FCD coach decided to rest him instead.

"I'm starting to get my legs back," McCarty said. "Traveling that far and long definitely takes its toll on you. I told Schellas that if he needed me for Columbus, I would be ready but he gave me a little bit of a rest. I'm obviously looking to come back, contribute and help the team any way that I can. I feel as close to 100 percent as I have in a long time and that's really important for me. I feel like I really got over the hump in China in terms of my injuries. I'm really starting to feel good. It's just a matter of working hard in training and hopefully getting some minutes here and there to contribute and help the team for a playoff spot."

Since McCarty left in late July, FCD has traded Arturo Alvarez, Juan Toja left for Europe while Jeff Cunningham and Victor Sikora both joined the team.

"It's crazy how things happen," he said. "Arturo and Toja both left and I think that was what they wanted. At the same time, it's good for us because we got some new players in here that can get the job done. It's a little bit different team but the mentality is the same and everyone is on the same page. We're obviously looking to make the playoffs and go from there."

After being left off the original U.S. Olympic roster, McCarty learned on July 24 he would be going to the Beijing Games after close friend Nathan Sturgis of Real Salt Lake was unable to play due to injury.

"It was a little bit bittersweet," he admitted. "He (Sturgis) is a good friend and I would never wish injury on anyone. It was an honor to be called in. Even though I would have liked to have been named to the initial roster, it's still a fantastic feeling and something that I took in stride. I just wanted to try my best and give the team whatever they needed by being a role player. I think we did well as a team and I tried to contribute any way that I could."

The only time that he saw with the U.S. was in what proved to be their final match, a 2-1 loss to Nigeria on Aug. 13 that sealed the USA's elimination. McCarty said he was disappointed not to see more time.

"When you get to that level, every player is good and expects to play. I was no different. I definitely wanted to play more but wanted to be a good teammate and not complain or put my head down. If I got my number called, I just wanted to be ready, McCarty said. "Luckily, I stayed positive and got a couple minutes against Nigeria. I definitely wanted us to win that game and it was a tough result going out. I definitely wanted to play more but I was happy with just being there."

Like many who have been there, McCarty called getting to walk in the Opening Ceremonies as one of the most memorable parts of his Olympic experience.

"That was probably the most unforgettable part," he said. "I'll never forget that. It's kind of cool because we didn't really know that we would be going. Then at the last second, it kind of opened up for us and we ended up being able to go. That's an experience that I will keep with me forever and be able to tell everyone about. It's definitely something special."

McCarty's experience also included getting to meet his share of famous people.

"I met President Bush and got a picture with him," he said. "I'm a little biased with Dwight Howard since I'm from Orlando and he plays for the Magic. So, I got to talk to him for a bit and a picture with him. I saw Dirk Nowitzki because Germany was right next to us. So, I talked to him, told him I played for FC Dallas and got a picture with him. I also talked to Kobe Bryant, Carlos Boozer and Dwyane Wade. They were all really nice guys. That was a cool experience."

While the final result might have been a disappointment, it truly was a once-in-a-lifetime happening.

"It was definitely the experience of a lifetime," he said. "Not many people can say they were a part of something that special and that big. It was fantastic. We had a great team and everyone on the team got along. It was a great group of guys and a pleasure to be part of it."


Hyndman still left searching
No Olympics for Kaka

Revs top United, take back East lead

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Revolution returned to the Eastern Conference summit with a 2-1 victory Wednesday against D.C. United at Gillette Stadium.

Taylor Twellman opened the scoring in the 24th minute after a fortuitous bounce presented him with a chance inside of six yards. Jeff Larentowicz doubled the Revolution's lead four minutes after halftime when his swerving drive caught United 'keeper Louis Crayton by surprise. Jaime Moreno drew one back for United in the 69th minute, but United couldn't push on to find the equalizer.

With the win, the Revs returned to first place in the Eastern Conference while United remain tied for fourth place with the New York Red Bulls.

Matt Reis failed to start for the first time in 90 regular season games after picking up an adductor strain in Saturday's 4-0 loss at San Jose. Doug Warren made his first MLS start since Aug. 21, 2005 in Reis' place. Taylor Twellman and Adam Cristman were charged with staking Warren to a much-needed lead.

Without starters Gonzalo Martinez and Gonzalo Peralta, United went with Marc Burch and Devon McTavish in central defense and Mike Zaher on the left hand side of the back four. Marcelo Gallardo remained out with a hernia injury; the more defensive central pairing of Clyde Simms and Joe Vide played instead.

The visitors started the better of the two sides as United attempted to grab an early goal. Despite the early pressure, there wasn't much to show for any of it aside from Vide's long-distance drive past the near post.

From nothing, the Revs claimed the lead on 24 minutes. All it took was a quick outlet pass from Steve Ralston and a surging run from Khano Smith down the left side to unlock United's defense. Smith's low driven cross was driven into the goalmouth, where Cristman slid between Burch's legs as they came across the front of goal. The ball deflected away, but fell to Twellman at the near post, and he didn't miss from inside six yards to give New England the lead.

The Revs pushed onward after the breakthrough. Most of the pressure came down inside United's defensive end, whether through Sainey Nyassi giving Zaher the runaround down the right side or Smith tormenting Namoff on the right.

Cristman went close from his glancing header from a driven Jay Heaps cross that nearly caught Louis Crayton off his line. Then Cristman likely would have liked a better finish to cap a comprehensive move with Ralston again at the hub.

United tried to respond before the break with a long-distance drive from Fred, but the shot ducked just wide around the far post.

Things turned worse for United soon after the second half commenced after New England scored its second. Twellman laid the ball back to Larentowicz for a swerving shot straight down the pipe from 25 yards. Crayton dived right when the ball stayed left and the Revs had their second goal.

United perked up after the second goal with Emilio looking more involved. Fred tried to draw a penalty on the byeline after juking around Heaps, but the referee waved away his arguments as he tumbled to the ground.

Twellman went looking for his second after he pushed through the United back line, but Crayton came out alertly to block at his feet.

The block became even more important minutes later after Moreno chipped Warren to close the deficit. Shalrie Joseph coughed up the ball in his own end and Moreno played Fred through the Revs defense. Heaps slid over to block Fred's shot, but the ball deflected to Moreno. Warren had wandered off his line to cut out Fred's shot and Moreno took advantage and chipped over him.

United continued into the ascendancy through Moreno's persistent prodding. Another diagonal ball opened up space for Quaranta. But the resulting left-footed shot rolled tamely to Warren.

The goal United wanted never arrived, and but for Bryan Namoff's goal line intervention minutes before the end, the scoreline could have been worse.


Fulham held in final friendly
Cristman’s double thwarts Galaxy
Fred, United spoil McBride’s return