April 19, 2003

FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) - Former Santa Clara University All-America Eric Denton scored the match's opening goal as the Columbus Crew spoiled the New England Revolution's home opener Saturday with a 2-1 victory.

The defending Eastern Division champion Revolution showed little of the poise that helped them reach the MLS Cup game last season.

In the 12th minute, Denton found teammate Brian McBride with a long pass down the left side. McBride held the ball at the top of the Revolution area where he then laid off the ball for onrushing left back Denton, who was cutting through the center of the box, controlled the ball in stride and deposited an accurate shot in the low right corner of the goal. It was Denton's first goal of the season and the third of his career (66 games).

"I played it into Brian and he played a great ball off to me," said Denton. "It was a question of timing more than anything.

"We were on (the Revolution) from the get go. We're getting better and better with our organization, staying compact and working for each other defensively. We did a good job limiting Taylor Twellman's chances. You never take a player like that out of the game - you just have to try to limit his opportunities."

US National Team performer McBride, who helped set up a handful of other chances for Columbus (2-0-1), found the back of the goal to double the Crew's lead at the 53rd minute. Jeff Cunningham got past Rusty Pierce on the right side before finding McBride unmarked in front of the New England goal where he tapped in from six yards.

New England (0-1-1) scored in the 86th minute when Steve Ralston scored off a pass from Pat Noonan.