Oct. 9, 2002 – Revolution celebrate Columbus Day

The New England Revolution celebrated Columbus Day early with a 1-0 victory over the Crew in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals series.

Oct. 9, 2002 – Columbus 0:1 Revolution at Crew Stadium (Att.: 10,245)

It took seven years for the Revolution to earn their first away playoff win, on Jay Heaps’ third-minute goal off a corner kick.

The Revolution moved within a game of advancing to the MLS Cup finals, continuing a remarkable run that improved their record to 8W-1L-2D since Aug. 24, 2002. The teams met three times in that span, Heaps’ goal the only score.

There was plenty of activity in this game, the second of a best of three series.

Heaps, who became the Revolution coach from 2012-17, was red-carded after a 39^th-minute clash with Freddy Garcia, but returned after a one-game suspension to play in the MLS Cup final.

Adin Brown (seventh shutout in nine games) made a 63^rd-minute save on Brian McBride, referee Gerrie Corrie signaling a goal kick. Brown made an important deflection on Jeff Cunningham in a 0-0 draw against the Crew in August, though the official report did not credit him with a save.

Current Revolution assistant coach Carlos Llamosa steadied the defense, which included Joe Franchino, plus Brian Kamler and Steve Ralston, who both started the match in midfield, after Rusty Pierce departed with a groin injury.

Said Llamosa: “That guy Garcia must have sent in 50 crosses. But we never panicked. We knew there was pressure on our shoulders but the midfielders also played well, and everyone defended.”

Taylor Twellman departed late, replaced by Ian Fuller, a knee injury making his status questionable for the next game. This would be the last

Revolution win of the year, though; the teams tied, 2-2, in Game 3, the Revolution advancing to the MLS Cup final.

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TODAY IN NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY