two losses and a draw -- made the Revolution defense far more pliant than the unit that allowed 36 goals in the previous 27 contests.
"We weren't concentrating like we normally do," Revs midfielder Shalrie Joseph said.
Seasoned teams know when to flick on the switch and New England did it with a meeting prior to the start of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
"When we got to the playoffs, we had a meeting saying that we needed to get together and play the soccer we played earlier in the season," Joseph said.
Nicol admits the late-season struggles might have provided some inspiration heading into the playoffs.
"It's given us a kick in the backside and helped us focus a bit more," Nicol said of the team's momentary lapse.
Problem solved. The Revs haven't conceded a goal since Danny Dichio's stoppage-time tally to give Toronto a draw on the final day of the season.
Joseph said the team's experience has helped his side regain its focus during this playoff run.
"We know when the playoffs come, we want to stay strong defensively," Joseph said.
Nicol lauded the work and experience of his back three of Jay Heaps, Michael Parkhurst and Avery John and goalkeeper Matt Reis in keeping things tight at the back.
Tight proved an understatement in the conference semifinals after New York mustered a meager nine shots on frame in two games and MVP candidate Juan Pablo Angel struggled to create chances.
Chicago couldn't create quality scoring chances in the conference championship despite forcing Reis to make 10 saves. The talismanic Cuauhtemoc Blanco found little space in the final as the Revs defense fueled a third consecutive victory.
Joseph said the backline doesn't receive the plaudits it deserves.
"We don't give enough credit to Reis and the back three," Joseph said. "They've been great for us."
With a fourth consecutive playoff shutout likely leading to the team's first MLS Cup triumph, the defensive unit might just prefer to take hardware instead of curtain calls.
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
