Jan. 29, 2006 – Taylor Twellman hat trick, U.S. 5×0 Norway

Taylor Twellman seemed to be hitting his stride as an all-around striker under the guidance of Revolution assistant coach Paul Mariner, and he started the year strong. But Bruce Arena went with Brian Ching for the World Cup team, naming Twellman as an alternate.

There probably was not a better pure goal-scorer than Twellman in his generation. In his Revolution career, Twellman scored 101 regular-season goals in 174 games; 10 goals in 21 post-season games; seven in 10 U.S. Open Cup matches; plus one in five Champions Cup games. Twellman finished with six goals in 30 U.S. appearances.

We can’t know how many goals Twellman might have ended up with had he remained healthy, or how successful he would have been had the Revolution accepted a $3.5 million transfer offer from Preston North End in 2007.

Twellman was exceptional in being able to score while “playing through” injuries, converting several goals with a broken foot and while concussed. He even played for the U.S. with sinusitis, a form of walking pneumonia. Beyond the numbers, Twellman seldom mis-hit a shot on goal, even in training.

Twellman would finish the 2006 season strong, compiling a three-game scoring streak in the playoffs, though the Revolution fell to Houston in the MLS Cup final.

TODAY IN NE SOCCER HISTORY