LUDLOW, Mass. (AP) – Taylor Twellman’s goal in the 45th minute of the first half proved to be the game-winner as the New England Revolution advanced to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup with a 2-1 win over the Rochester Rhinos at Lusitano Stadium.

A goal by Rochester in the 23rd minute appeared to spark a fire under New England. Joe-Max Moore nearly tied the game in the 25th minute with a hard shot to the upper corner, but Rhinos goalie Bill Andracki made a tremendous save.

Less than a minute later the Revs had their first goal as Steve Ralston headed in a Moore corner kick.

Breakers 1, Courage 0

BOSTON (AP) – Dagny Mellgren scored in the 79th minute as the Boston Breakers set a team record for victories and clinched a home playoff game by beating the Carolina Courage 1-0 Wednesday night.

Boston’s win, combined with Washington’s 2-0 loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday, ensured the Breakers will finish in at least second place in the WUSA and host a semifinal game on Aug. 16.

The Breakers (9-4-7) also extended their franchise-best unbeaten streak to nine games.

Heather Aldama and Kristine Lilly set up the game-winner by Mellgren, her league-leading 14th goal of the season. Aldama curled a crossing pass to Mellgren, who was waiting 20 feet from the net. Carolina keeper Kristin Luckenbill initially stopped Mellgren’s shot, but the ball rolled away and through to the net.

Breakers keeper Karina LeBlanc made two spectacular saves in the game’s opening minutes, stopping Danielle Slanton in the 13th minute and Brooke O’Hanley in the 24th en route to her third shutout of the season.

Carolina (7-10-3) was eliminated from playoff contention.

AP-ES-08-06-03 2116EDT

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