Revs fail to hold early lead against Metrostars and end in 1-1 draw

FOXBORO, MA. - The New England Revolution took an early lead against the
Metrostars, but despite creating the majority of good chances they were unable
to
respond to a second half goal by Cornell Glen and came away with a somewhat
disappointing 1-1 draw. An early goal by Pat Noonan ended the Revolution's
scoreless
streak that lasted over two games, but wasn't enough to end their winless streak
that
has now stretched to three games.

With injuries continuing to pile up the Revs were forced to play with their most
makeshift back-line yet. Marshall Leonard (hamstring strain) was added to the
list of
injured defenders Carlos Llamosa (left knee sprain) and Rusty Pierce (right
quadriceps
contusion). Goalkeeper Adin Brown (right groin strain) missed his second
straight
match, while Joe-Max Moore (right knee sprain) missed his fourth in a row. Avery
John
got the start on the left side of the defense in his Revolution debut, as Brian
Kamler
played in the center and Jay Heaps on the right side in the Revs three man back
line of
their 3-5-2 formation. John played solid in his debut and will certainly see
more
chances to impress with all the defensive injuries.

The Revs got on the score sheet quickly as Joe Franchino, who was making his
100th
career start for the Revolution, sent a cross to Shalrie Joseph from the left
flank.
Joseph slid in, but his shot deflected off Eddie Pope and trickled through the
Metrostars box. The ball somehow eventually made it to Pat Noonan, who easily
shot
past Metrostars goalkeeper Jonny Walker from close range for his second goal of
the
season.

Jose Cancela almost doubled the score for the Revs just six minutes later.
Taylor
Twellman dribbled through the Metrostars defense before sending a pass to
Cancela
at the top of the box. Cancela's shot towards the the upper right corner of the
net was
saved by Jonny Walker.

Steve Ralston received the ball off a throw in the 33rd minute and dribbled to
the
edge of the box before sending a shot towards the upper left corner of the box.
Ralston's shot beat Walker, but hit the top of the crossbar and went out of
play.

Brian Kamler, who was wearing a brace in his mouth after being hit in the mouth
on
Wednesday in an exhibition match against Sporting Lisbon, received a very
questionable yellow card in the 39th minute. Cornell Glen went down quickly
after
very minimal contact from Kamler and then proceeded to fake an injury and stay
on
the ground for a while before getting up and appearing to be fine. The tap from
Kamler seemed to barely warrant a foul, let alone a yellow card.

The Metrostars had a few chances in the first half, but the Revs defense was
well
organized and prevented any chances that would pose a real threat to `keeper
Matt
Reis. Reis was still able to impress in the first half as he was quick off his
line many
times to stop crosses and passes just inches before they would reach an
attacker.

After being dominated by the Revs in the first half, the Metrostars took over at
the
start of the second half. Ten minutes into the match they scored the equalizer.
Mark
Lisi charged down the field, throwing down Jose Cancela on the way, before
sending a
through ball to Cornell Glen. Glen dribbled into the box before shooting past
Reis for
his third goal of the season. Lisi's challenge on Cancela leading up to the goal
looked
like a clear foul, but went un-called by referee Baldomero Toledo.

The Revs took control of the match again after the goal and Cancela almost gave
the
Revs the lead. Cancela received a cross from Ralston and sent a hard shot past
Walker
only to see it saved by the post.

Felix Brillant was subbed in for Jose Cancela in the 71st minute. Brillant, who
was
making his Revolution debut, used his blistering speed and skills to cause
trouble for
the tired Metrostars down the right flank the rest of the match.

Twellman had two great chances in the 76th and 77th minutes as he dribbled into
the
six yard box only to see his shot deflected. A minute later he dribbled through
the
Metrostars defense down the left flank, but saw his point-blank shot saved by
Walker.

Clint Dempsey had the final chance of the match in the 89th minute, but his
header
off a Steve Ralston corner kick went high of the net.

The Revs next face D.C. United on Saturday, May 29th as Freddy Adu makes his
Gillette Stadium debut. The game can be seen at 7:30PM on WB56 and Fox Sports
World.