Revs Squander Lead in Loss at Red Bulls

By Brian O'Connell
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Updated: May 27, 2017

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

The Revolution’s long-standing regular season struggles at Red Bull Arena continued in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to the Red Bulls in Harrison, NJ.

New England entered Saturday’s match winless in seven regular season matches (0-6-1) at the Red Bulls’ home park, a record that was all but forgotten when Lee Nguyen struck from the spot inside of nine minutes.

But the Red Bulls charged back after the break after Bradley Wright-Phillips backheeled a ball spilled by Cody Cropper in the 47th minute. The hosts secured the winner in the 75th minute when unmarked Daniel Royer tapped through a cross from Felipe.

Diego Fagundez, who was fouled inside the box to set up Nguyen’s opening strike, gave the Revolution their best chance at equalizing when he squared a shot from the edge of the area that forced a diving save from Luis Robles in the 88th minute.

Saturday’s loss kept the Revolution on 16 points (4-5-4) while the Red Bulls improved to 20 points (6-6-2).

What it means: Any hopes of strengthening its contender credentials took a hit in Saturday’s loss. After the Revolution collected maximum points in their two-match homestand, the team was overwhelmed by a foe that took advantage of its possession by turning it into goals. Yes, Red Bull Arena has rarely been kind to the locals, but if they want prove they belong in the conversation for postseason contention, then they have to start getting road points from conference foes.

True story: Nearly 1,000 Revolution supporters were on hand for Saturday’s match at Red Bull Arena. The team bussed the supporters, many of them season ticket holders, down to the Garden State for the match.

Angoua & Farrell banned: Revolution defenders Benjamin Angoua and Andrew Farrell were forced to sit out Saturday’s match due to suspension. Angoua was cited by the MLS Disciplinary Committee after for his dangerous tackle on Ola Kamara in the 31st minute of Sunday’s win over Columbus while Farrell earned a red card in the waning stages of that match. With Angoua and Farrell out, London Woodberry and Je-Vaughn Watson were plugged in at center back and right back, respectively.

Battle in the Bronx awaits: The Revolution will return to the tri-state area on Wednesday when they head to Yankee Stadium to face New York City FC at 7:30pm. Last year, the Revolution split their season series with City (1-1-1).