Revs Draw to Loons in Preseason Opener

By Brian O'Connell
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Updated: January 31, 2017

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

Kei Kamara tallied the first Revolution goal of the calendar year in Tuesday’s 1-1 preseason opening draw to the expansion Minnesota United FC in not-as-snowy Casa Grande, Ariz.

The Revolution striker scored in the 78th minute on a Donnie Smith pass to level a match that Minnesota United took control of early thanks to a 39th minute goal from Eugene Starikov.

“I was happy with being able to assist on one of the goals,” Smith told the media after the match. “There were a couple other crosses that I probably could’ve had assists on. I want to always work on that sort of thing and hopefully get some more assists.”

Here you are: The very first goal of the #NERevs' Preseason, courtesy @keikamara! pic.twitter.com/cRn6AuSBUB

— NewEnglandRevolution (@NERevolution) January 31, 2017

Matt Turner earned the start between the sticks before giving way to Cody Cropper in the second half. As he has in previous preseason openers, Revolution coach Jay Heaps fielded two different units for each half.

Recently-signed Antonio Mlinar Delamea started at center back in the first while fellow international signing Benjamin Angoua was held out of action due to an injury he suffered while playing in France.

Tuesday’s tilt was the Loons’ first unofficial taste of MLS game action. The club became the league’s 22nd club when it announced its exit from the NASL to enter top-flight football last spring.

The match proved to be a much-welcome development for the Revolution, who reported to training camp last week and have spent much of their time partaking in drills and small-sided scrimmages.

“You’re kind of sick of kicking your teammates every day in training,” Smith said, “so it was good to get out there and compete against a different team.”

The Revolution will resume their preseason schedule on Friday at 1:30pm against the New York Red Bulls.due