What Is 2005 New England Revolution season

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2005 New England Revolution season was the team's 10th in Major League Soccer, finishing 3rd in the Eastern Conference with a 11–9–12 record. They reached the MLS Cup final for the second consecutive year but lost 1–0 to the LA Galaxy in overtime.

Key Facts

The 2005 New England Revolution finished the regular season with 11 wins, 9 losses, and 12 draws (45 points).
They placed 3rd in the Eastern Conference, qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Taylor Twellman scored 12 goals, leading the team in scoring during the regular season.
The Revolution reached MLS Cup 2005, their second consecutive final appearance.
They lost 1–0 to the LA Galaxy in overtime, with the decisive goal scored by Guillermo Ramírez.

Overview

The 2005 season marked the New England Revolution's 10th year in Major League Soccer, showcasing continued growth and competitiveness. Under head coach Steve Nicol, the team built on their 2004 success, reaching the MLS Cup final for the second straight year despite not securing the championship.

Playing home games at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the Revolution combined solid defense with moments of offensive brilliance. Their journey reflected resilience, advancing through the playoffs after a modest regular-season performance, ultimately falling just short of a title.

Regular-season record: The team posted an 11–9–12 win-loss-draw record, accumulating 45 points and finishing 3rd in the Eastern Conference.
Home venue: All home matches were played at Gillette Stadium, which hosted over 20,000 fans per game on average during the season.
Top scorer: Forward Taylor Twellman led the team with 12 goals and 2 assists in the regular season, earning MVP consideration.
Playoff run: The Revolution defeated Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and D.C. United in the Conference Final to reach MLS Cup 2005.
MLS Cup result: They lost 1–0 to the LA Galaxy in overtime, with Guillermo Ramírez scoring the winning goal in the 107th minute.

Performance & Playoffs

The 2005 campaign demonstrated the Revolution’s ability to perform under pressure, particularly in postseason play. Despite inconsistent regular-season results, the team peaked at the right time, advancing through tough Eastern Conference matchups.

Regular-season consistency: The Revolution earned 45 points from 32 games, showing improvement in defensive stability compared to previous years.
Key player contribution: Midfielder Jose Cancela joined mid-season and provided crucial playmaking, recording 5 assists in 14 appearances.
Defensive strength: Goalkeeper Matt Reis recorded 9 clean sheets and made key saves throughout the playoffs to keep the team alive.
Playoff momentum: In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, they defeated Columbus Crew 2–1 on aggregate over two legs.
Conference Final: They beat D.C. United 2–1 in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw, advancing to their second consecutive MLS Cup.
Final appearance: The loss to LA Galaxy in MLS Cup 2005 extended the team’s title drought, marking their second runner-up finish in two years.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2005 season to the previous year highlights both continuity and missed opportunities in the Revolution's pursuit of a championship.

Statistic	2004 Season	2005 Season
Regular-Season Record	13–9–8 (48 points)	11–9–12 (45 points)
Eastern Conference Standing	2nd	3rd
Top Scorer	Taylor Twellman (13 goals)	Taylor Twellman (12 goals)
Playoff Result	MLS Cup Runner-Up	MLS Cup Runner-Up
Final Opponent	DC United	LA Galaxy

The Revolution maintained a high level of performance in both seasons, reaching the MLS Cup final each time. However, their slight dip in regular-season points and goal differential in 2005 underscored the challenges of sustaining peak form over a full campaign.

Why It Matters

The 2005 season remains a pivotal chapter in New England Revolution history, symbolizing both the promise of sustained success and the frustration of coming close without ultimate victory. It laid the foundation for future competitiveness in MLS.

Building a legacy: Reaching back-to-back MLS Cups established the Revolution as a consistent playoff contender in the mid-2000s.
Player development: The season highlighted the emergence of Taylor Twellman as one of the league’s premier forwards.
Coach Steve Nicol: His leadership earned respect, guiding the team to three finals in five years from 2005–2007.
Regional pride: Success boosted soccer interest in New England, increasing attendance and youth participation.
Foundation for future: The 2005 run helped attract talent and investment, contributing to long-term franchise stability.
Near-miss narrative: The overtime loss added to the team’s “almost” legacy, motivating future squads to push for a title.

Though the Revolution didn’t win in 2005, their performance solidified their status as an MLS powerhouse and deepened fan engagement during a formative era for American soccer.