July 14, 2007 – Steve Ralston sets MLS record with 115th assist
Post by frankdellapa@gmail.com
Steve Ralston surpassed Carlos Valderrama on the MLS career assist list in his 354th game, starting the sequence leading to Andy Dorman’s 38th-minute goal as the New England Revolution took a 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls.
“It reflects my longevity and I’ve been fortunate to play with a lot of great players,” said Ralston (now a San Jose Earthquakes assistant coach). “I wish I had beaten a guy and whipped in a great cross for a diving header by Taylor [Twellman]. But I’m proud of it – Carlos was a big part of my career.”
Ralston moved within 12 games of the all-time U.S. professional record for games played (all competitions) set by Bill McPherson, competing mostly for the Fall River Marksmen in the 1920s and ’30s.
Shalrie Joseph was also credited with an assist, Dorman taking his through ball and finishing past Jon Conway. Joseph, Michael Parkhurst and goalkeeper Matt Reis were selected for the MLS All-Star team the next day, the Revolution’s leading scorers, Dorman and Twellman, left off the team.
“There is no rationalization under the sun, moon, and stars – biased as I am – for him not being on the team,” Dorman’s Boston-based agent, David-Ross Williamson, said. “Res ipsa loquitur – the thing speaks for itself – he is the leading midfielder in the league in minutes played, goals, and total points.”
Dorman had replaced Clint Dempsey, who departed for Fulham FC after the 2006 season, and would be on his way to St. Mirren in Scotland on a free transfer after the Revolution failed to meet his contract demands after the ’07 season. Dorman, a star at Boston University from 2000-03, also played for Crystal Palace and Bristol Rovers before returning to the Revolution in 2013.
July 14, 2007 – New York Red Bulls 0:1 Revolution (Att.: 13,819)
After the game, Revolution defender Jay Heaps said of Dorman: “He is world-class. He is great in the locker room, he is hard-working, he never complains. He’s our ace in the hole. He doesn’t need to dribble three defenders, but he can get to balls behind defenders.”
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