http://www.turfmonster.com/articles/?ID=4&ArticleID=952
Twellman happy to be back
Noting his happiness to be back on the pitch, New England forward Taylor Twellman featured for the first time in a month as the Revolution drew 0-0 with Colorado.
The striker showed a few lacking touches in and around the box on the night, but generally impressed those who have come to expect a determined, gritty performance from the former 1860 Munich youth player.
While Twellman was happy with his performance, it was not all joy for Twellman, as he missed a 68th minute penalty that could have lifted the Revolution into the coveted final playoff spot going into the weekend.
"From the first minute, I felt like I was into the game," said Twellman. "Unfortunately, I just couldn't find the net. I was happy with everything; I just have second thoughts on the PK."
Twellman expressed consternation at his strike, but he noted that he wanted the ball on the spot at the next possible instant.
"I'm not going to dwell on it," said Twellman. "But [I better take the next one]."
Twellman praised the service of his flank players, who pounded crosses into the Colorado area throughout the night, only to be foiled by the composure of Rapids duo Robin Fraser and the impressive rookie Nat Borchers.
"I felt fine," said Twellman. "My timing was off in the last 20 yards, but [Joey] Franchino and [Steve] Ralston did a great job of just pinging the ball into the box."
For his part, Ralston thought that his side was seeing the return of the same old Twellman.
"He looked like his old self," said Ralston. "There was no change in his game at all, all out, all the time."
Revolution head coach Steve Nicol praised the work of his star striker.
"I think his work rate was normal, he worked his heart out as normal," said Nicol. "He's going to be gutted about the penalty. What can you say? It's one of these things. Being out for three or four weeks you lose a bit of sharpness but overall he can be happy with his performance."
Nicol shrugged off any concerns about Twellman's merits as a penalty taker.
"Taylor's our penalty taker," said Nicol. "He hasn't missed for us in two years. It was bound to happen sometime, and unfortunately, it was tonight."
Revolution defender Jay Heaps echoed the sentiments of his manager.
"Taylor is the kind of player you want to give the ball [for a penalty]," said Heaps.
Heaps also noted the added dimension Twellman brings to the side in terms of attacking, the recent run of form by striker Pat Noonan notwithstanding.
"[Taylor's] been away for a while," said Heaps. "When we line up with him in the team, we feel more dangerous. Unfortunately for us, it didn't work out tonight, but Taylor played a great game."