Oct. 8, 1997 – Revolution 1:1 D.C. United at Foxboro Stadium (Att.: 16,233)

This was the New England Revolution’s first MLS playoff home game and former Italian national team forward Giuseppe Galderisi’s final game.

Richie Williams (53^rd) scored past Walter Zenga off an assist from future Revolution midfielder John Harkes on a Marco Etcheverry free kick. Joe-Max Moore’s 72^nd-minute penalty kick equalized, before the Revolution lost in the post-match shootout, current Revolution assistant coach Carlos Llamosa converting the shootout decider.

The Revolution rallied as Alexi Lalas took an Ivan McKinley back heel, earning a penalty kick in a clash with Eddie Pope. Moore then converted past Scott Garlick, his third successful penalty kick of the season.

D.C. United won the opener, 4-1, in a best of three series.

Said United coach Bruce Arena: “I thought the one goal would be enough. I didn’t think the Revolution would quit. But they didn’t get any chances in the second half. There is no sense discussing the penalty. It was a bit of a mystery. I told Eddie, `Don’t worry about it. It was a bad call.’ ”

The Revolution, who finished the match a man short after former BU star (and current assistant coach) Francis Okaroh was red-carded for a 74^th-minute tackle on Jaime Moreno, had exceeded expectations.

“There were a lot of doubters after the 4-1 drubbing, and we have a long way to go,” Revolution coach Thomas Rongen said. “But this gives us something to build on.”

The Revolution would lose six starters from this game, including Okaroh, who won the 1998 MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup with the Chicago Fire. Chris Aduama photo

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