A Bundle of Joy
Jose Mauel Abundis, a recent transfer from Deportivo Toluca of Mexico, picked a good time to score his first goal in a Revolution uniform. Abundis got on the end of a set piece cross from Steve Ralston and headed what proved to be the game-winner past Colorado goalkeeper Joe Cannon in a 3-1 win over the Rapids that clinched a playoff spot for New England.
After dressing but not playing against New York and Kansas City, Abundis got a chance to start due to Pat Noonan's injured hamstring. Noonan, who has been hurt for what feels like all of 2006, is likely to remain on the pine in the near future, putting Abundis in the forefront of Steve Nicol's playoff plans.
Abundis capitalized on the Rapids' indifference to New England runners in the box, beating his defender to the near post to put the Revs up 2-0. Earlier in the match, Taylor Twellman had nearly scored after getting behind the Rapid back line to receive a Clint Dempsey header from the midfield towards the Colorado net. In that instance, Twellman found himself unusually open as the center back lazily failed to track him through the area.
Abundis showed he can give the Revs some much needed scoring punch - New England's 1.20 goals per game is fourth-worst in MLS -but New England will need a more inspired effort in the playoffs if they wish to get past Chicago. The boxscore will tell you that they beat Colorado handily, with the Rapids scoring on a PK in extra time, but Colorado actually dictated the play for much of the game. New England received a favorable penalty kick in the second minute - high kicks tend to be ignored in the box - and later added Abundis' set piece score, but in between those two plays, the Revs were chasing the game. Without Shalrie Joseph to control the midfield, the Revolution struggled to retain possession and appeared content to give Colorado the ball and take their chances on the counterattack.
Their performance can be read in one of two ways. Either you think they were out-classed but lucked out with the refereee and connected on a set piece, or you believe their ability to pull out a win despite chasing the game to be the sign of a quality team.
We'll see whether they are lucky or good soon enough. As for Abundis, he's plainly good.
After dressing but not playing against New York and Kansas City, Abundis got a chance to start due to Pat Noonan's injured hamstring. Noonan, who has been hurt for what feels like all of 2006, is likely to remain on the pine in the near future, putting Abundis in the forefront of Steve Nicol's playoff plans.
Abundis capitalized on the Rapids' indifference to New England runners in the box, beating his defender to the near post to put the Revs up 2-0. Earlier in the match, Taylor Twellman had nearly scored after getting behind the Rapid back line to receive a Clint Dempsey header from the midfield towards the Colorado net. In that instance, Twellman found himself unusually open as the center back lazily failed to track him through the area.
Abundis showed he can give the Revs some much needed scoring punch - New England's 1.20 goals per game is fourth-worst in MLS -but New England will need a more inspired effort in the playoffs if they wish to get past Chicago. The boxscore will tell you that they beat Colorado handily, with the Rapids scoring on a PK in extra time, but Colorado actually dictated the play for much of the game. New England received a favorable penalty kick in the second minute - high kicks tend to be ignored in the box - and later added Abundis' set piece score, but in between those two plays, the Revs were chasing the game. Without Shalrie Joseph to control the midfield, the Revolution struggled to retain possession and appeared content to give Colorado the ball and take their chances on the counterattack.
Their performance can be read in one of two ways. Either you think they were out-classed but lucked out with the refereee and connected on a set piece, or you believe their ability to pull out a win despite chasing the game to be the sign of a quality team.
We'll see whether they are lucky or good soon enough. As for Abundis, he's plainly good.
posted by jcanzo at 8:40 PM
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