New England Soccer Today

Late Collapse in Nation’s Capital

Photo credit: New England Revolution

Photo credit: New England Revolution

After pressing hard for a late equalizer, the Revolution collapsed in the waning minutes to suffer a 3-0 defeat to DC United on Saturday at RFK Stadium.

A 33rd minute penalty strike from Lamar Neagle put the Revolution in a deficit going into the half. But the guests mounted a fierce campaign for the equalizer courtesy of some quick-developing play in front of DC’s net between the 80th and 85th minutes.

But the Revolution’s efforts proved to be all for naught after Luciano Acosta and Alvaro Saborio put the match to bed with goals in the 86th and 92nd minutes, respectively.

Chris Tierney exited the match in the 28th minute after suffering a non-contact injury near the touchline. Tierney’s departure prompted right back Je-Vaughn Watson to move to the left while London Woodberry came off the bench to man Watson’s original spot.

The Revolution outshot their foes 5-0 during the opening 15 minutes, but the best they could do was hit a shot off the bar, an effort orchestrated by Teal Bunbury in the sixth minute.

Daigo Kobayashi’s 79th minute introduction sparked the Revolution offense out of a lengthy lull. Following Kobayashi’s entrance, the locals’ possession rate climbed from 53.8 percent to 62.2 percent. Quick movement from Kelyn Rowe and Charlie Davies put DC under siege as full time approached.

But Acosta’s touch of class chip over Bobby Shuttleworth put the result out of reach in the 86th minute while Saborio’s goal – which was originally waved off by referee Alan Kelly – only served to inflict further embarrassment.

The loss kept the locals out of the win column for the seventh time in eight tries this season while DC’s victory allowed them to take six points from their recent three-game homestand.

The Revolution return to action on Wednesday when they face the defending champion Portland Timbers at Gillette Stadium. First kick is set for 7:30pm.

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