What Is 2004 New England Revolution season

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2004 New England Revolution season marked the team's ninth in Major League Soccer, finishing 4th in the Eastern Conference with a 12–14 record, and reaching the MLS Cup final for the first time after defeating Dallas in the playoffs.

Key Facts

Finished 4th in the Eastern Conference with a 12–14–6 record
Reached MLS Cup final for the first time in franchise history
Defeated FC Dallas 2–1 in the Eastern Conference Final
Lost 2–1 to D.C. United in MLS Cup 2004
Steve Ralston recorded 11 assists, leading the team

Overview

The 2004 season was a landmark year for the New England Revolution, representing their ninth campaign in Major League Soccer since the league's inception in 1996. Under head coach Steve Nicol, the team achieved a breakthrough by advancing to the MLS Cup final for the first time in franchise history.

Despite finishing the regular season with a losing record, the Revolution showed resilience in the playoffs, defeating stronger teams to reach the championship match. Their journey highlighted the team's growing competitiveness and set the stage for future success in the mid-2000s.

Regular season record: The Revolution finished with a 12–14–6 record, earning 42 points and placing 4th in the Eastern Conference.
Playoff breakthrough: They defeated the Columbus Crew and FC Dallas to reach MLS Cup 2004, marking the first time the franchise advanced past the conference final.
Key player performance: Midfielder Steve Ralston led the team with 11 assists and was named to the MLS Best XI that season.
MLS Cup appearance: The Revolution lost 3–2 to D.C. United in the final, played on November 14, 2004, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
Attendance: The team averaged 14,454 fans per game at Gillette Stadium, reflecting steady regional support despite on-field ups and downs.

Playoff Journey and Performance

The Revolution’s 2004 playoff run defied expectations, as they overcame higher-seeded teams through tactical discipline and key individual performances. Their path to the final showcased a blend of defensive resilience and timely scoring.

Eastern Conference Semifinals: The Revolution defeated the Columbus Crew in a two-leg series, winning 2–1 on aggregate after a 1–1 draw in Columbus and a 1–0 home victory.
Conference Final: They advanced by defeating FC Dallas 2–1 in a single-elimination match, with Taylor Twellman scoring the decisive goal.
MLS Cup 2004: Facing D.C. United, the Revolution took an early lead but ultimately lost 3–2 after extra time, with Clint Dempsey scoring one of New England’s goals.
Goalkeeper contribution:Matt Reis played every minute of the postseason, making crucial saves, including a penalty stop during the regular season.
Defensive improvement: The team allowed only 3 goals in four playoff games, a significant improvement from their regular-season defensive record of 45 goals conceded.
Home advantage: Gillette Stadium provided a strong base, where the Revolution posted a 8–6–2 home record during the regular season.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2004 Revolution season compared to previous years and league averages is illustrated below:

Category	2004 Season	2003 Season	MLS Average (2004)
Regular Season Record	12–14–6	10–12–8	11.5–13.5–7
Points	42	38	40.2
Goals Scored	44	41	43.8
Goals Conceded	45	47	46.1
Playoff Result	MLS Cup Final	Did not qualify	N/A

The table shows that while the Revolution’s regular season record was only slightly better than the league average and prior year, their playoff performance far exceeded expectations. Advancing to the final was a franchise milestone, demonstrating progress under Steve Nicol’s leadership and setting a precedent for future deep runs in 2005, 2006, and 2007.

Why It Matters

The 2004 season was a turning point for the New England Revolution, establishing them as serious contenders in MLS. It laid the foundation for sustained success and increased fan engagement in the New England region.

Franchise credibility: Reaching the final for the first time elevated the team’s status and proved they could compete at the highest level.
Player development: The emergence of Taylor Twellman as a consistent goal scorer (12 goals in 2004) signaled a shift in offensive strength.
Coaching validation: Steve Nicol solidified his role as head coach, earning respect for guiding the team beyond previous limitations.
Playoff format impact: The single-elimination format favored strong performances, and the Revolution capitalized on their peak at the right time.
Fan growth: Playoff success boosted attendance and media coverage, contributing to long-term regional support.
Legacy: Though they didn’t win, the 2004 run began a streak of four MLS Cup appearances in eight years, defining an era for the club.

The 2004 New England Revolution season remains a pivotal chapter in the team’s history, symbolizing resilience, growth, and the beginning of a competitive identity in Major League Soccer.