Sun May 11 17:32:21 2008

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Twellman returns to lead New England over Chivas

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Carson, CA (Sports Network) - Taylor Twellman scored less than 15 minutes into his season debut Sunday and the New England Revolution defeated Chivas USA 2-1 in Major League Soccer.

Twellman missed New England's first seven matches following knee surgery. He came off the bench to start the second half and scored in the 59th minute off an assist from Steve Ralston.

Kenny Mansally, who Twellman replaced at half, scored New England's first goal in the 18th minute. New England (4-3-1) moved past three teams into third in the Eastern Conference.

Chivas (1-4-2), which got its lone goal in extra time from Justin Braun, lost for the fourth time during its five-match winless skid. Chivas is sixth in the Western Conference.

Mansally, who is tied with Sainey Nyassi for the team lead with two goals, was able to give New England an early cushion at The Home Depot Center.

Chris Albright and Jeff Larentowicz - who both registered their first assists of the year - set up the goal, with the last pass finding a streaking Mansally just inside the penalty area

Mansally out ran a defender to the ball and fired low to the left post. Chivas goalie Brad Guzan dove but couldn't save the well-placed shot.

Chivas failed to create any good scoring chances in the first half, but opened the second half with a great chance that Maykel Galindo fired into the side of the net.

Twellman, a U.S. national team striker who scored 16 goals in MLS last season, didn't take long to get involved. He had his first shot after 12 minutes - and probably should have scored - and his first goal two minutes later.

Ralston found Twellman inside the area and he didn't waste his second shot. He beat Guzan - another shot the goalkeeper had no chance to save - to officially announce his return.

Twellman's great debut was nearly over less than 20 minutes after it started, though. He went down near midfield in the 63rd minute and a trainer asked for a substitute but Twellman decided to stay in the match.

Sacha Kljestan and Galindo combined for Chivas' best - and only good - scoring chance in a 25-minute stretch of the second half. The tandem made four quick passes before Kljestan fired wide of the right post in the 76th minute.

Chivas defender Shavar Thomas headed a Kljestan corner kick just wide in the 83rd minute and Twellman nearly put New England in front by three goals in the 85th but fired just wide of the left post.

Twellman, who was limping after going down earlier in the second half, limped noticeably again after the shot. He finished the game but it was unclear if he aggravated his previous injury.

Braun tapped in a pass from Galindo three minutes into stoppage time, but the final whistle followed and New England won its third match on the road already this season.

New England returns home next weekend - where it is just 1-2 - to host the San Jose Earthquakes. Chivas hosts FC Dallas next week.