The New England Revolution tied the New York Redbulls 2-2, but because they won the first game of this 2 legged series 2-1 away, the total aggregate scored 4-3 Revolution. They will be moving onto the MLS cup finals next Sunday December 7th. The opponent is not yet known, as the western conference will wrap up tomorrow night, between LA and Seattle. Regardless of the result between these two teams, the Revs will be going out west. The team with the best record will host the finals game, and since both LA and Seattle have better records than the Revs, the finals will be out west. This game was much like the first game. Back and forth, wide open. Both teams with multiple scoring chances, dangerous crosses/passes down the middle, and multiple goals. New England had to battle back from 1 goal deficits both times this game, but were able to do what they needed to do.
Midfield Kelyn Rowe started the game on the bench, as he picked up a knock last game. Chris Tierney, who plays left defense got the start in Rowe’s spot, and Kevin Alston starting at left defense. That was the only change to the starting 11 for this game. On his decision to move Chris Tierney to left mid, coach Jay Heaps said after the game “we want to be mindful of Lloyd Sam’s speed, we thought when we made that move in New York, it solidified us and allowed us to be more aggressive actually. Its a defensive move, but it allows us to be more offensive where Chris can get up and do certain things.” Tierney is also the teams main set piece taker. So keeping him in the lineup was also important for that reason. The first goal came from a corner kick taken by Tierney. He also got the assist on the second goal, scored by Charlie Davies, who scored the first goal. Both goals were headers.
First 20 minutes saw both side with their dangerous crosses, passes in the final attacking 1/3, and shots, but no goals. But in the 25th minute the Redbulls scored the first goal of the game. Thierry Henry crosses a pass to Tim Cahill, and while battling Revs captain Jose Goncalves for body position, Cahill kicks the ball in between Jose’s feet and passed Revs keeper Bobby Shuttleworth. After that goal Redbulls controlled the game, possession, passes, and attacks. But in the 41st minute, the Revs tied the game. Tierney takes a free kick short to Nguyen, passes it back to Tierney, where he sends in a cross. Charlie Davies heads the ball where it took a deflection, passed the diving Redbulls keeper, Luis Robles.
The 2nd half was much like the first half. In the 52 minute, the Redbulls went up again 2-1, this time scored by Peguy Luyindula, on another defensive mix up confussion in the box. From that goal until the 66th minute the Revs had multiple crosses, opportunities to score, but failed to get a shot off or on target. But on the 69th minute the Revs finally tied the game 2-2. Charlie Davies scored his 2nd of the match. That would be the final score of the game. 2-2 final, 4-3 total on aggregates. Even though the Redbulls did apply pressure, multiple crosses into the penalty area, but unable to score a 3rd goal.