April 25, 2004 – Joe-Max Moore plays 98th and final MLS game; Clint Dempsey scores first professional goal
Post by frankdellapa@gmail.com
My Notes column from the MetroStars-New England Revolution match provides hints about the limitations of MLS rosters and the exceptional conditions Shalrie Joseph played under (injuries, low salary). Joe-Max Moore sustained a career-ending injury and Taylor Twellman was “bleeding from the mouth” during a post-match interview.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Revolution defender-midfielder Shalrie Joseph provided evidence that he could be Major League Soccer’s biggest bargain of the last two seasons during a 1-1 tie with the MetroStars yesterday. Joseph, who has been selected to play for Grenada’s national team against the US June 13, is earning the league minimum salary of $24,000 on a four-year contract, according to his agent, Ron Waxman.
“I believe Shalrie is one of the top 10 players in the league,” said Waxman. “He dominated this game and I have seen him dominate games for Grenada. I am not saying [New England] doesn’t respect him. Everyone has told me he is one of the best players on the team. How is the situation going to change? It’s up to them.”
Joseph sparked the Revolution as a defensive midfielder last season, but moved to central defense yesterday, discarding a mask designed to protect his broken nose.
“It was uncomfortable,” Joseph said of the mask. “I should have kept it on, but I couldn’t see. I took it off after about 20 minutes, and two minutes later a shot hit me in the face.
“I have only spent a little time in the back in practice, so it was a little adjustment. But I can play anywhere in the park and I will do whatever the team needs me to do.”
Joseph and goalkeeper Adin Brown broke up the most serious MetroStar threats, after Amado Guevara scored in the 14th minute.
“Ado [Brown] was big time, and we kept our composure,” Joseph said. “We gave up a goal but we didn’t let them score again.”
The Revolution started the match with three healthy substitutes, and only one [goalkeeper Matt Reis] had MLS experience. Richie Baker made his league debut, replacing Joe-Max Moore in the final minutes, and Luke Vercollone remained on the bench.
Moore injured his right knee on an attempted tackle.
“I don’t know the extent of it but I don’t think it is something that is going to keep me out for weeks on end,” Moore said.
Moore replaced Jose Cancela (left calf) in central midfield.
“We needed to slow the game down at times and keep possession a little better,” said Moore. “We needed to possess the ball in the middle and final third and create more chances. But this is a decent result.”
Pat Noonan and Taylor Twellman departed last night for Dallas to play for the US against Mexico Wednesday.
“I will be ready and if I get to play, great,” said Twellman, who was bleeding from the mouth after the game. “If not, I will support the guys and be ready to come in.”
NY/NJ MetroStars 1:1 Revolution at Giants Stadium (Att.: 8,129)
Goals: Guevara 14’; Dempsey 12’.
April 25?, 1925 – BOSTON ELEVEN ARRIVES AT ST. LOUIS
Boston FC was set to meet the Ben Millers for the U.S. Professional Cup . “All the Boston players with the exception of Jock McArthur (knee), fullback, are in good condition. … D. Sharp is scheduled to replace him.”
J&P Coats 6:1 Philadelphia
Goals: Hibbert 2, McGrane 3, Duffy; McClure
April 25, 2009 – Real Salt Lake 6:0 Revolution (Att.: 14,051)
Record Revolution regular-season loss (Record broken with 7-0 defeat versus Atlanta United in 2017). All goals scored in second half, Revolution record goals against for a half.
Getty Images photo
NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY