The New England Revolution continued their winning streak in dramatic fashion Saturday night, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to beat the New York Red Bulls 3-2 at Red Bull Arena.
The Revs twice went behind on the night, first through an early goal from Wikelman Carmona and then just three minutes after an equalizer from Gustavo Bou on the hour-mark, courtesy of Fabio. But Bruce Arena's men showed impressive resolve to maintain their place atop the Supporters' Shield standings.
The Red Bulls got off to a quick start at home, scoring the game's first goal in the eighth minute. Kyle Duncan sent the ball toward Carmona, whose shot from distance resulted in a memorable first MLS goal.
RBNY were the dominant team for much of the first 20 minutes, though the Revolution worked themselves into the fray by the first half's midway point. They began racking up shots, with Adam Buksa hitting the post and crossbar while searching for an equalizer.
The visitors maintained that momentum to start the second half and eventually got on the board 60 minutes in. Bou scored his ninth goal in 10 games, receiving the ball from DeJuan Jones on the left side of the field and unleashing an unstoppable shot in off the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.
The tie was short-lived, as the Red Bulls responded with a goal just three minutes later. Caden Clark's quick flick toward goal found Fabio, whose imperfect touch was no issue for the close-range finish.
But the Revolution's rhythm remained and their efforts were eventually rewarded with a goal in the 84th minute. MLS assists leader Carles Gil took a free kick from the left side of the pitch, swinging the ball into the box. Brandon Bye met the ball and scored on a powerful header from close range.
The Revolution completed their comeback a few minutes later, with Buksa scoring in the 91st minute. The striker was slipped through by Gil's shot/pass attempt, then saw his persistence rewarded with a near-range shot that bested goalkeeper Carlos Coronel.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: In a five-goal thriller, it came as no surprise that the team with Bou, Buksa and Gil eventually won. Two of the league's most productive attackers got their team out of a hole that came courtesy of a slow start, and it helped that the Red Bulls struggled to create quality chances despite racking up shots themselves.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: This match had a dramatic conclusion, starting with Gil's excellent cross for Bye's header on the Revolution's second goal.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Buksa led the Revolution's search for goals, taking seven shots across the 90 minutes. He got close twice in the first half, and finally found the breakthrough he was searching for with the Revs' late game-winner.
Recap
- RBNY: Wednesday, August 4 vs. FC Cincinnati | 8 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
- NE: Wednesday, August 4 vs. Nashville SC | 7 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
