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Twellman makes presence known as Revolution down United

Aug 21, 2008 - 3:27 AM By Mike Petraglia PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts (Ticker) -- Hampered by injuries all season, Taylor Twellman showed Wednesday why he is so key to the MLS title hopes of the New England Revolution.

Playing in his sixth game, Twellman scored a goal and assisted on another as the Revolution edged D.C. United, 2-1, at Gillette Stadium.

With the win, New England (11-6-3) overtook idle Columbus (10-6-4) for first in the Eastern Conference with the three-point result and snapped a three-game losing streak. The Revolution defeated D.C. United (9-10-1) for the first time since October 6, 2006, a span of four games, including two draws.

"If any team is going to tell you they're going to take it one game at a time, it's us," Twellman said. "We've just got to end the season on the right note and keep getting better and getting results. Obviously, when the playoffs start, it's a whole new ballgame and we've got to get on a roll."

In the 24th minute, Khano Smith came charging down the left side and fed a cross to Adam Cristman in front of United goalkeeper Louis Crayton.

Cristman got just enough of the ball to redirect it to an unmarked Twellman and the five-time MLS All-Star didn't miss, toeing the loose ball into the net for his third goal after missing 14 games due to a knee, ankle and hip injuries.

"Khano made a great run and Adam was big and physical and made a good play and, fortunately, I was in the right place at the right time," Twellman said.

"It's huge," Smith said of the Twellman's return to the lineup this month. "We think he's the best forward in the league. His record pretty much proves it over the last five years. He's huge for us and you've just got to put him in a dangerous position and, nine times out of 10, he's going to score for us."

Twellman was the playmaker early in the second half as well, as he fed Jeff Larentowicz 25 yards out and the 25-year-old midfielder drilled a curving line drive past Crayton in the 49th minute for a 2-0 New England lead.

"Clearly, when you're getting someone back like Taylor Twellman, it can only add to your strength, particularly up front and as a unit," Revolution coach Steve Nicol said. "It's good to get him back but we won't look too far ahead at the present time."

Doug Warren, playing in goal for the injured Matt Reis (right adductor strain) against the team he entered MLS with, was not tested often but came up big when he had the near side of the goal as D.C.'s Fred threatened in the 35th minute.

"It's makes it easy when the guys in front of you are doing their jobs and doing it well," Warren said. "I don't think I was in many positions where I had to make gutsy decisions because the guys in front of me made it easy. Overall, we won and that's all that really matters."

It took the United until the 69th minute to register their first shot on goal. D.C. captain Jaime Moreno made it a one-goal game when he lofted a 15-yard shot over Warren for his ninth goal.

Santino Quaranta had a chance to tie in the 74th minute, but Warren easily collected the shot on goal to preserve the lead.