Sept. 6, 2002 – Revolution general manager Todd Smith announces resignation

Todd Smith, Revolution GM since Sept. 26, 2000, had been diagnosed with cancer, but continued to work full-time, announcing his resignation effective at the end of the season. Smith had fired Revolution coach Fernando Clavijo after a 5-2 loss at Colorado dropped the team’s record to 2W-4L-1D on May 22, 2002, replacing him with assistant Steve Nicol on an interim basis.

The Revolution were undergoing a transition, seven front officer staffers having been fired on Sept. 4, 2002, less than three weeks before the end of the regular season. The Revolution were 5 points out of a playoff place with three matches remaining, but Smith remained optimistic.

“I owe it to this team to finish the race with them,” Smith said. “Win, lose, or draw we walk off the field together and stand together. I still believe this team can qualify for the playoffs.”

Said striker Taylor Twellman: “We are looking at winning three games and having some luck on our side.”

The next day, Twellman had his first career hat trick, and the Revolution won out to capture the Eastern Conference regular-season title on the way an appearance in the 2002 MLS Cup final.

Sept. 7, 2002 – Revolution 3:0 D.C. United at Gillette Stadium (Att.: 15,748)

TODAY IN NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY