After two disappointing results the last two weeks to seal their spot in the playoffs, the New England Revolution were on the road for a match up against the Chicago Fire. The Fire, who are the worst team in MLS this season, were the perfect opponent for the Revs to finally get that win to seal the deal, but would the Fire just roll over for New England, or would New England be able to take advantage and beat a team they should be beating?
Sadly the answer is no. New England would blow a 1-0 halftime lead and lose to the Fire 3-1.
New England started well for the first 10-15 minutes. Players like Lee and Juan were active and running down the Fire players, forcing turnovers and pinning Chicago deep in their end. Despite the early flurry of activity, it remained tied.
But Chicago would begin to push up as their strength on offense is on the counter attacks. And soon after Chicago would take control of the game. Chicago would force Revs keeper Bob Shuttleworth to make two great saves, see a floating ball hit the post, and even possibly a shot not get on target due to the wind that was blowing in. It seemed that Chicago should of scored and they would be able to keep New England under pressure.
But just when New England needed to release some pressure on their defense, they score first. Chris Tierney provided a good cross into the Fire penalty area where Juan Agudelo beat his man marking him for the header, putting it passed their keeper for the 1-0 and his 7th goal of the season, and Tierney’s 5th assist.
But the 2nd half was all down hill for New England. All three goals conceded were bad on New England’s part in my opinion. But the worst goal was the 2nd when Farrell failed to control the ball and fell down as he had pressure behind him. leaving his goalie on a 1 v 1.
Offensively, New England just didn’t do well in the 2nd half. They had a few chances, including when it was 2-1 Chicago when New England had a 2 v 1, Rowe and Juan were just too casual and unable to score.
Against the worst team in the league this late in the year, you should beat them. With this lose, New England drops to 4-10-2 on the road!