Revolution head coach Steve Nicol was philosophical Tuesday night after his team was eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup by A-League side Rochester Raging Rhinos on penalties, after a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of soccer.
"It was a tough game for us tonight," said Nicol. "It's definitely a fair result."
The Rhinos held the play for long swaths of the game, and they emerged victorious after Carlos Mendes' penalty sent the Rhinos to a quarterfinal date with fellow A-League side Charleston Battery.
Nicol had no blame for either Jay Heaps or Clint Dempsey, who both had efforts saved by Rhinos keeper Theo Zagar.
"It's all down to who wants to take penalties," said Nicol.
The Revolution fielded a side missing most of their regulars, in an attempt to rest up ahead of the weekend's trip to San Jose. Nicol dismissed any claims that team selection left the Revolution at a clear disadvantage.
"We want to win every game we play," said Nicol. "We have some tough games ahead, but the team we fielded was capable of winning this game."
Rhinos head coach Pat Ercoli was ecstatic at his team's progression into the quarterfinals.
"It is such a great feeling for us," said Ercoli. "We have played three games in four days. It was a very gutsy win by our guys. This is a very satisfying win for us."
Ercoli credited both 'keepers with keeping the match on level terms.
"[Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis] made two or three great saves to keep his team in it," said Ercoli. "It really was a 'keepers' duel tonight. It was fitting that it came down to penalties, and Theo [Zagar, Rhinos goalkeeper] came up huge for us."
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
