Open Cup Dreams Doused
- Updated: September 14, 2016
Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz
Losing in a championship final – it is a script all too familiar with the New England Revolution and their fans. While fans were hopeful of an upset to end the tortured tradition, a clearly superior FC Dallas added another chapter as the Revs fell 4-2 in the championship match of the 103rd edition of the U.S. Open Cup front of 16,612 spectators at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Mauro Diaz led the FC Dallas offense scoring on a penalty kick and assisted on the three other goals. Maximillano Urruti scored twice for FC Dallas with Matt Hedges contributing the other goal. Juan Agudelo was one of the few bright spots for the Revolution, as he registered both goals for the visitors.
The Revolution actually struck first in the sixth minute when Agudelo weaved his way through the FC Dallas defense and sent a thunderous strike into the far corner of the net. The celebration would be short-lived, however, as Urruti volleyed a shot past Brad Knighton to tie the game in the 15th minute.
Following Dallas’ goal, FC Dallas remained in control of the match holding the majority of possession in the first half and limited any offensive movement by the Revs. Dallas had 64.6 percent possession in the first half and the Revs only registered one shot – Agudelo’s early goal.
The wheels began to fall off for the Revolution in the 30th minute when Gershon Koffie went down with an ankle injury. Though he remained on the field for another ten minutes, he was ineffective while Dallas built momentum.
In the 40th minute, the Revolution cleared a corner kick, but Dallas possessed the ball outside of the box and Mauro Diaz crossed to Matt Hedges, who cut into the box unmarked and headed home a goal giving FC Dallas the lead.
Koffee was substituted off for Kei Kamara shortly after the goal, but the Revolution could not hold off momentum or regain possession. During stoppage time, Je-Vaughn Watson was next to be hit with the injury bug, and Chris Tierney was subbed on, leaving the Revs with only one sub for the second half.
In extended extra time before halftime, FC Dallas swung a free kick into the box for Hedges, who was tangled up with Jose Goncalves. Goncalves was whistled for a foul and Mauro Diaz converted the penalty to end his amazing first half with one goal and two assists.
The Revolution came out of the break holding the majority of possession and had glimpses of life. Chris Tierney crosses a dangerous ball into the box that skimmed off of Agudelo’s head, which almost pulled the deficit to one. However, FC Dallas soon began hitting quick counter-attacks that were more and more dangerous over time.
In the 62nd minute, Mauro Diaz gained possession in the ball at midfield and led a long through pass to Urruti, who had a clear breakaway on goal. Brad Knighton got a leg to the shot, but didn’t get enough on it, as the lead was increased to 4-1.
Agudelo gave the Revolution some hope late in the game when he connected with a low Teal Bunbury cross in the 73rd minute, making the game 4-2. It would be too little, too late, however, as FC Dallas didn’t allow the Revs another substantial scoring opportunity.
The result adds another frustrating chapter to the Revolution’s season and history. Adding onto an 0-5 record in the MLS Cup, New England now has their second loss in three US Open Cup Finals.
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