Revolution Draw with Colorado

New England Maintains Hold on Final Playoff Spot

October 4, 2009

By Sean Donahue

The Revolution went on the road to Colorado and took an early lead, but fell when the Rapids were awarded they converted to earn a 1-1 draw.

Kheli Dube scored the Rev's lone goal in Saturday's tie. (Chris Aduama/ADUAMA.com)

The Revs, already without strikers Taylor Twellman and Edgaras Jankauska, as well as midfielder Steve Ralston, lost Jay Heaps and Jeff Larentowicz to injury in the team’s last game. The suspension of Wells Thompson, who received a red card in the last match, added to the club’s woes.

Despite Colorado having the better of the chances early on, it was the Revs who scored first when Kheli Dube found the back of the net in 29th minute. The Revolution striker got on the end of a long Kenny Mansally free kick and headed it past Preston Burpo and inside the far post for his 8th goal of the season.

Colorado equalized in the 57th minute after a questionable penalty kick call. Omar Cummings had his back to goal against Emmanuel Osei and went down when turning despite minimal contact. Conor Casey stepped up to take the penalty, sending goalkeeper Matt Reis the wrong way and slotting it into the opposite corner of the net.

Three minutes later, the Revs were handed a man advantage when Julien Baudet was sent off after he swung his arm at Dube’s head when challenging for a header.

Colorado nearly took the lead in the 88th minute, when Casey played Cummings into the right side of the box. Cummings ran towards goal and unleashed a powerful blast that hit off the crossbar and went back into play.

The Revs, still holding onto the eighth and final playoff spot, return home to face the first place Columbus Crew on Saturday.