Tue Oct 28 16:04:00 2008

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Revolution's Twellman out indefinitely

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Foxborough, MA (Sports Network) - New England forward Taylor Twellman will be out indefinitely with concussion-related symptoms and he will likely miss the Eastern Conference semifinals against Chicago, the team announced Tuesday.

Twellman was punched in the head by Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Steve Cronin on Aug. 30, while heading in a goal in the first half but continued to play the remainder of the game.

Twellman did not dress for New England's following game, a CONCACAF Champions League match against Joe Public FC on Sept. 2, but returned to the field in the teams next MLS game on Sept. 6 and played 90 minutes at the Columbus Crew.

He played 90 minutes in the teams final eight games to end the regular season but the team decided he needed to rest to avoid further damage.

"Taylor has been experiencing some on-going issues related to the concussion he suffered against L.A.," Revolution Vice President of Player Personnel Michael Burns said. "Concussions, especially repeated concussions, are very dangerous and the most important thing for Taylor and his future - both off the field and on - is to get the rest he needs so he can return to normal as quickly as possible."

Twellman missed 14 regular-season games in 2008 while battling myriad injuries, including torn knee cartilage, an ankle sprain, a hip flexor and concussion symptoms.

Still, he finished the year tied for the team lead in goals with eight while adding two assists. He has 99 career goals in 172 games spanning seven Major League Soccer seasons.

The Revolution, who have lost the last three MLS Cup finals, open the playoffs on Thursday against Chicago. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. (ET) at Gillette Stadium. The second leg is Nov. 6 at Chicago.