FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England goalkeeper Matt Reis waited for more than a month to record his 100th win in MLS.
It took a little bit of work and a lot of grit during the second half for the Revs to secure the necessary result in Wednesday's 2-1 victory over Colorado, but the final whistle finally sealed Reis' introduction to the exclusive club of MLS goalkeepers with a century of wins.
He joins runaway leader Kevin Hartman (174), Zach Thornton (131), Nick Rimando (127), Joe Cannon (111) and Scott Garlick (107) as the only men to notch more than 100 wins in league play.
“We had a nice little ceremony in here afterward,” Reis told MLSsoccer.com after the match. “I got a jersey with the number 100, so that was nice. I got that signed. I'll put it up in the garage with all of my other stuff.”
Reis played his part to ensure the Revs snapped a three-match drought by making six saves against the Rapids. That contribution provided a fair reflection of his overall efforts over his ten seasons with the Revs (2003-present).
“Matt is one of those special players in this league,” Revolution coach (and former Reis teammate) Jay Heaps said. “Longevity is one of those things [that makes him special]. One of my big things is a stat they don't really show: availability. Guys who can be in the lineup or available for the coaches' selection. Matt has always shown over his career that he's always ready, always available. He's had some injuries, but he's fought back from that. Tonight, you feel confident with him back there, especially in the second half.”
The entire team will take that confidence forward to Saturday's visit to Real Salt Lake after collecting all three points against the Rapids. Reis, meanwhile, will place his accomplishment in the rear view mirror as he and his teammates attempt to push onwards in their quest to string results together over the next few matches.
“It's kind of a relief,” Reis said. “It's something that's been – in the last three games – in the back of my mind. Finally, it's a hurdle to get over and focus on the rest of the season.”
HIGHLIGHTS: NE vs COL
