New England Soccer Today

Rookie & Vet Send Revs to Victory Over NYRB

Photo credit: New England Revolution

Kei Kamara netted his second goal of the winter while rookie Brian Wright tallied late as the Revolution earned a 2-0 preseason win over the New York Red Bulls on Friday in Casa Grande, Ariz.

Kamara, who scored in Tuesday’s draw to Minnesota, gave New England the lead in the 25th minute. The goal came when Kamara elevated to meet a Lee Nguyen corner kick and buried it from close range. Wright put the match out of reach in the 88th minute when he converted a cross from Teal Bunbury.

“I felt like we had good performances in both halves,” Revolution coach Jay Heaps told the media after the match. “Some things were better in the first half, some things were better in the second half, but overall, really pleased with the individual performances.”

With the victory, the Revolution improved to 1-0-1 on the preseason.

#NERevs lead #RBNY 1-0 at the half thanks to @2k3!

A photo posted by New England Revolution (@nerevolution) on

Brad Knighton and Bobby Shuttleworth split the goalkeeping duties, with the former playing the first 45. Friday’s match allowed both to get their first taste of preseason action after Matt Turner and Cody Cropper played in Tuesday’s opener.

Revolution trialist Jeremie Sabaly was sent off in the 50th minute for a reckless challenge, but Donnie Smith was allowed to replace him as both coaches wanted an 11v11 match.

“I think (the players) put together what we were asking them to do defensively,” Heaps said. “A couple let-downs here and there, but (an) overall good performance.”

New England will play their third preseason game on Tuesday when they face Sporting Kansas City in Tucson, Ariz. Kickoff is 1:00pm ET.

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