Revolution Bring Down Rivals DC, 2-1

It was an optimistic start for the Revolution at Gillette Stadium as they faced absolute-bottom-of-the-table DC United. With 15 points, United was 8 points below the next lowest team, Toronto FC. Additionally, without an away win to their name this season and only half as many goals scored as the Revs, New England could reasonably expect to dominate the opposition. Although Scott Caldwell’s own goal got the game off to a rough start,  the Revolution could only, and did only, go up from there. The first half was mostly possessed by the Revolution and kept largely in the opposition half. The passing left a little to be desired but didn’t stop the Revs from reaching the 18 yard box a number of times. Saër Sène was aggressive around DC goalkeeper Bill Hamid, and joined frequently at the top by forward Dimitry Imbongo. Andrew Farrell’s consistent streaks up the left side promised a lot for the action in the second half. Although some of Sène’s and Imbongo’s calls for fouls tended toward the dramatic side, Sène was nonetheless fouled in a valuable spot just to the right of the penalty box, opening up for a decent effort from Kelyn Rowe, which was saved by Hamid. Hamid made a number of good saves, though it should be said that many of New England’s shots on goal were lacking in creativity. The first half was also marked by a number of yellow cards, for both teams, including New England captain Jose Goncalves and DC United’s Chris Korb and Dejan Jakovic. The Revolution picked up right where they left off in the second half, dominating possession at the opposing end. Leading the offensive charge was Lee Nguyen who, with some luck, found himself at the penalty spot after a harsh challenge from Dejan Jaković. Looking to net the Revolution’s first penalty of the year, Nguyen came up short as Bill Hamid easily dove to his right for the save. Just moments later, the Revolution were finally rewarded for their strong play as Saër Sène found Diego Fagundez for a beautifully orchestrated goal.  DC came across a great chance in the 80th minute only to have Matt Reis make a brilliant backward-diving save to knock away the shot. United’s stint on the offensive end didn’t last long as three minutes later Lee Nguyen found himself with an opportunity to redeem himself from the penalty spot. This time confounding Bill Hamid, Nguyen scored to bring the Revolution up 2-1. Four minutes of stoppage time and the game was all over. Although Reis was given Man of the Match likely for his brilliant save, we at WBRU believe that the rightful honor goes to the Bill Hamid and his incredible saves. Looking for revenge, the Revolution face another rival, the Houston Dynamo, next week at home. They’ll be hosting college students for $15 dollars. http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/tickets/promotions