Rising and falling
Hot or Not: Welcoming The Kelyn Rowe Revolution
The New England Revolution attack scores a highlight-reel goal that highlights his excellent play of late. The same cannot be said of Omar Gonzalez, however, whose silly error cost the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Kelyn Rowe—Sophomore slump? Not for this New England Revolution midfielder who is having an excellent close to his second season. Rowe's goal in his club's 3-2 loss to the Chicago Fire is his fifth in five matches, and it would've been a double if not for a nice save by Sean Johnson. Earlier this year, it looked like Rowe's campaign might disappoint after a promising rookie year, but he's following up an exciting August with an excellent September as the Revs try to make a playoff push. The team might fall short, but Rowe's efforts at a January camp invite might not.
Tim Howard—After taking a rivalry match in Columbus as an opportunity to remind American soccer fans (and certain contributors to this site) that he's the man, Howard returned to England and did the same. Yes, Gareth Barry had to rescue Howard from what would've been an embarrassing goal to concede after the goalkeeper was too casual with the ball at his feet, but the U.S. No. 1 made up for it moments later with a top-class save on Ramires and kept Chelsea scoreless in Everton's 1-0 win. Also not beaten on the pitch Saturday? Howard's beard.
Tim Ream—The good news is that the former New York Red Bulls defender is popping up at all on the positive side of this column. The bad news is that for all his success at Bolton Wanderers, none of it has come as a defender. Dougie Freedman's side is struggling, but Ream has found his place in defensive midfield for the Championship cellar-dwellers. He set up Bolton's second goal Tuesday in a 2-2 draw with Derby County that helped give the Trotters their first points in more than a month.
