Revs Drop Season Opener in Colorado
- Updated: March 4, 2017
Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz
The New England Revolution put in a lackluster performance to start the season en route to a 1-0 season opening loss to the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. on Saturday evening. Boston University product Dominique Badji’s 52nd minute goal was all the Rapids would need as their defense largely keep the Revolution offense in check.
The match saw the debut of both Benjamin Angoua and Antonio Mlinar Dalamea at center back for the Revolution. Designated player Xavier Kouassi, who is still gaining fitness after his ACL surgery last season made the game day roster for the first time, but never got off the bench.
The game also saw Jay Heaps debut a new formation that put Lee Nguyen at striker next to Kei Kamara and Juan Agudelo playing just behind the two. Nguyen, who usually serves as the team’s primary playmaker, had a team worst 23 touches and just one shot before being substituted out with an injury in the 56th minute.
Colorado had the better of the early play, but it was New England with the best early chance in the 17th minute. Kelyn Rowe found Kei Kamara making a run into the box in space, but Kamara’s powerful, but perhaps not precisely placed shot was well saved by Zac MacMath.
Goalkeeper Cody Cropper, making just his second start for the Revolution, came up with a big save in the 20th minute when Kevin Doyle slipped behind the defense and got in alone on goal. Doyle tried to slot a shot past the young ‘keeper, but Cropper made an impressive stop.
The Rapids lone goal would come less than 7 minutes into the second half after earning a free kick on the right flank. Dillon Powers crossed in the free kick, which was headed off the post before falling to Badji who headed it into the empty net as the Revolution scrambled to clear.
The Revolution would control the possession the rest of the way as they looked to find an equalizer, but were unable to put serious pressure on MacMath’s net.
New England returns home to face Orlando City SC on Saturday, March 11, still seeking their first point of the season.
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