Match of the Year

And it's time for me to reveal the Match of the Year. At least in my opinion. First, here are 5 through 2.

#5 vs Columbus
#4 vs New York
#3 vs Chivas
#2 vs Chicago

And the Match of the Year.........

5/26 @ New England Revolution 4-3
Down the Byline original write up

Coming in without a win in the last two had taken a little bit of the wind out of the Wizards sails heading to New England. And that was not helped by the fact that KC was going to be without both Nick Garcia and Jimmy Conrad in the center of defense due to injuries. This looked like the opportune chance for New England to end their winless streak against the Wizards at home. But instead fans were treated to an exciting back and forth game.

New England took advantage of the inexperienced back line early in the game, as Steve Ralston was the first to react to his shot that was saved by Kevin Hartman to put in the rebound to give the Revolution the lead. The Revs were able to double their lead in the 23rd, when Taylor Twellman was given too much space outside the box. And his deflected shot beat Hartman to give New England a 2-0 lead inside the first 25 minutes.

The Wizards response to that was almost immediate, as in the 25th minute, Sasha Victorine's lofted ball to Davy Arnaud was brought down on his chest, right into his path, and Arnaud slid it past Matt Reis to make it 2-1. About a minute later, the Revs found themselves level, as Jack Jewsbury found Eddie Johnson, who was able to turn at the top of the box beat his man tie the game at 2-2.

In the game's 38th minute, Johnson added his second of the game, as he took Jay Heaps one-on-one on the left side, beating the Revolution defender, and then beating Reis short side to give the Wizards the lead. Into the second half, New England went searching for an equalizer, and in the 69th minute were given a PK when a Shalrie Joseph cross hit Jewsbury's hand. Joseph completed the PK to put the team back on level terms.

Johnson was not going to be out done on this night, though, as he took a great pass from Carlos Marinelli that split two Revolution defenders, rounded Reis and put the shot away for his first of two hattricks on the season. New England had a late chance to equalize, but Hartman came up with a big save to preserve the 3 points for the Wizards.

Full highlights of the match can be seen here: