The Boston Globe's Frank Dell'Apa talks to a depressed New England Revolution squad after losing its third-straight MLS Cup final. For defender Jay Heaps, midfielder Steve Ralston and striker Taylor Twellman it was actually their fourth MLS Cup final loss. "They have all been tough," Heaps said. "We believed this was our opportunity and we just look forward to getting back here." As for Sunday's loss, Heaps said New England's defense, which had been excellent in the playoffs up until the final, gave away a disappointing first goal, "But for a great goal [the winner, scored by Dwayne De Rosario], you take your hat off to them."
Similarly, Twellman didn't make any excuses. "This was the first final I've played in with no injuries, no hernias," he said. "Not one single [Revolution] player had to deal with nagging injuries." That said, both Ralston and Jeff Larentowicz sustained injuries in the second half of the 2-1 loss; the latter left RFK Stadium on crutches, saying the injury could be a stress fracture.
The loss is particularly disappointing because New England thoroughly dominated the game in the first half. As Coach Steve Nicol lamented, "You don't leave teams hanging around at 1-nil. [Goalie Pat Onstad] made an incredible save at the end but we lost it because we didn't take our chances."
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