The 2004 New England Revolution season was the ninth season for the New England Revolution both as a club and in Major League Soccer (MLS). The club reached the playoffs after finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference (MLS). The club also reached the Eastern conference final, where they lost to D.C. United on penalty kicks. Additionally, they club participated in the U.S. Open Cup, where they were eliminated by the Rochester Rhinos in the fourth round.
Summary
The Revolution entered 2004 by extending head coach Steve Nicol’s contract for two years, and re-signing Jay Heaps, Chris Brown, and Brian Kamler.
In the 2004 MLS SuperDraft, the Revolution selected four players: Clint Dempsey, Jeremiah White, Felix Brillant, and Andy Dorman. On February 5, 2004, the club named legendary England striker Paul Mariner as assistant coach, and also Peter Simonini as goalkeeper coach. The club played its first competitive match on April 3, 2004, dropping a 3-2 result to the LA Galaxy. The Revolution struggled throughout the first half of the season, recording only three wins in their first 15 matches, recording only their third win of the year on June 2 thanks to a Pat Noonan hattrick. before going on a seven-match unbeaten run during the months of July and August. The club finished the season sub-.500, with a record of 8 wins, 13 losses, and 9 draws, but nevertheless qualified for the playoffs on the last day of the season courtesy of a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire, who they beat out for the final playoff berth. In the 2004 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Revolution defeated the Supporters' Shield-holding Columbus Crew 2-1 on aggregate, (thanks in part to two penalty kick saves from Matt Reis), before losing the Eastern Conference Finals in penalties to eventual-champions D.C. United. The Eastern Conference final, played in front of 21,201 at RFK Stadium, is widely considered one of the best MLS games of all time.
Squad
First team squad
The New England Revolution's 2004 roster adapted from the document "Club History: All-Time Results."
Transfers
New England Revolution – 2004 Transfers In Name Position Date Method Fee Previous club Reference Clint Dempsey MF January 16, 2004 2004 MLS SuperDraft N/A Furman Paladins men's soccer Jeremiah White FW January 16, 2004 SuperDraft N/A South Jersey Barons Félix Brillant FW January 16, 2004 SuperDraft N/A Cape Cod Crusaders Andy Dorman MF January 16, 2004 SuperDraft N/A Boston University Terriers Ritchie Baker MF February 5, 2004 Undisclosed N/A Shelbourne F.C. Luke Vercollone MF April 24, 2004 Undisclosed N/A Cape Cod Crusaders Avery John MF May 20, 2004 Undisclosed N/A Longford Town F.C. Bobby Thompson MF July 1, 2004 Undisclosed N/A Boston College Doug Warren GK July 10, 2004 Added from MLS Goalkeeper Pool N/A DC United Perek Belleh FW July 20, 2004 Undisclosed N/A RNYFC Steve Howey DF August 26, 2004 Undisclosed N/A Bolton Wanderers F.C.
New England Revolution – 2004 Transfers In Name Position Date Method Fee Next Club ReferenceJason Moore MF February 10, 2004 Waived N/A N/A Chris Brown FW April 8, 2004 Traded "Future Considerations" San Jose Earthquakes Kyle Singer GK April 24, 2004 Loan N/A New Hampshire Phantoms Daouda Kanté DF August 3, 2004 Waived N/A St. Louis Steamers Steve Howey DF November 26, 2004 Waived N/A Hartlepool United F.C. Richie Baker MF November 26, 2004 Waived N/A Shelbourne F.C.
League and team awards
New England Revolution – 2004 League Awards Award Player(s) Winner / Finalist Reference MLS Rookie of the Year Clint Dempsey Winner MLS Player of the Week Pat Noonan (wk 10) Winner MLS Goal of the Week Joe Franchino (week 5), Steve Ralston (week 15, week 29) Winner MLS Goal of the Year Steve Ralston finalist
New England Revolution – 2004 Team Awards Award Player(s) Winner / Finalist Reference Revolution Most Valuable Player Steve Ralston Winner Revolution Scoring Champion Pat Noonan (30pts, 11G, 8A Winner Revolution Defender of the Year Matt Reis Winner Revolution Humanitarian of the Year Brian Kamler Winner
Standings
Eastern Conference
Overall standings
Results
Non-competitive
2004 U.S. Open Cup
Regular season
MLS Cup Playoffs
References