New England Soccer Today

Feilhaber Talks Reception, Yellow Card on Saturday

Former Revolution midfielder Benny Feilhaber returned to Gilette Stadium on Saturday. (Photo: Chris Aduama/aduama.com)

Former Revolution midfielder Benny Feilhaber returned to Gilette Stadium on Saturday. (Photo: Chris Aduama/aduama.com)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – In addition to keeping the scoreboard on standby, the blustery conditions at Gillette Stadium also put a damper on the return of ex-Revolution midfielder Benny Feilhaber.

Although he grabbed a good look on frame in the 19th minute, Revolution keeper Matt Reis thwarted Feilhaber’s chance to drive a stake into the hearts of the Revolution faithful.

Even though Feilhaber would’ve liked to help his new club get three points from his former club, the Sporting K.C. midfielder admitted that it was nevertheless good to be back in town, despite the 0-0 scoreline.

“For me, it’s obviously great to play against ex-teammates and (to be) in front of the crowd. I heard them yelling ‘Benny sucks’ and stuff like that, which is fine with me,” Feilhaber said, with a laugh, after Saturday’s game. “That’s cool, because that’s what fans are supposed to do.”

But the reception Feilhaber got from the same Foxboro faithful who cheered him during his two seasons (2011-12) in a Revolution uniform wasn’t entirely critical or antagonistic.

“Some fans said ‘Hi’ to me after the game,” Feilhaber said. “So it’s all in good spirit and I think most important, I get to see some of the guys. It’s always good to see friends.”

While he was happy to see familiar faces, he wasn’t too thrilled to see the yellow card referee Edvin Jurisevic gave him for simulation in 71st minute. On the play in question, Feilhaber and Clyde Simms battled for a short Paulo Nagamura ball inside the 18 before Feilhaber fell to the pitch.

“I’m not going to say anything bad about the referee, but there’s no way that’s a dive,” Feilhaber said. “It’s not a yellow card, it could even not be a penalty, but it’s not a yellow card. I mean, Clyde clearly hits me and it’s kind of a 50/50, but it’s not a yellow card.”

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