FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – A rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference final happened to also be a showcase of the two hottest teams in MLS, so something had to give.
In the first of three regular season meetings between the Revolution and the Red Bulls, it was New England who came out on top to extend their unbeaten streak to seven games (5-0-2) while in the process handing New York their first loss of the season (3-1-4), 2-1.
The New York Red Bulls entered Gillette Stadium for their third match in seven days, with four players receiving their first starts of the season and their two leading scorers - Bradley Wright-Phillips and Lloyd Sam – getting some due rest on the bench at the onset.
The Revolution were quick to take advantage, getting on the board nine minutes in following a lovely cross from London Woodberry on the right side which was timed nicely by Charlie Davies who got in under Kari Ouimette, making his first appearance of the season, and dove to head home his third goal of the season.
The service by Woodberry, who has opened up the Revolution offense with his play along the right wing over the last three matches, resulted in his first career assist in MLS play.
The Revolution would up their lead in the 60th minute after a beautiful series of one touches in and around the box, with Scott Caldwell feeding Lee Nguyen as he pushed back into the area then touched over to Teal Bunbury who buried his second goal of the season.
Davies would break out alone for an opportunity at his second of night in the 71st minute, sprinting into the box with the ball before Kemar Lawrence made a great play in getting back to disrupt the shot.
That miss kept the door open for the Red Bulls who stepped through it three minutes later on a goal from Sacha Kljestan who caught a headed Mike Grella effort on the run and shook the Revs defense before pounding home his second of the season.
It was the first open play goal conceded by the Revolution since March 15th against NYCFC, but they would not allow another on the night as they pushed their unbeaten streak at home, including last season’s playoffs, to 15 straight games (11-0-4).
New England will make their debut at the Citrus Bowl on Friday, May 8th when they face Orlando City SC while New York welcome NYCFC to Red Bull Arena for the first time on Sunday, May 10th.
