BOSTON – In the end, it seemed inevitable that someone would break MLS' winning streak in the fourth round of the 2015 US Open Cup against lower-division teams. And the New England Revolution were the first to fall, as a blast from Charlotte Independence captain Jorge Herrera made the difference in the USL team's 1-0 win on Wednesday.
Dipping into their depth, the Revolution put out a starting lineup that featured many reserves and from the opening whistle there seemed to be a certain disconnect between the players and game plan.
After a scoreless first half in which the Revs were unable to get a shot on goal, the Independence took advantage, striking ten minutes into the second half for the game’s lone goal.
“Credit them, they did a great job,” said New England coach Jay Heaps following the game. “Not just their defense, it was a wonder strike as well. I think we were close a few times but in the end I think our chemistry was a little lacking and their chemistry was really strong.”
The "wonder strike" came courtesy of Herrera, who belted a winding shot from 25 yards out, bending it past the reach of Revs 'keeper Brad Knighton and into the top right corner.
“It was a hell of a goal,” said Independence coach Mike Jeffries. “He’s such a talented player and a really good leader with our group and it’s nice to have a guy with his experience, and his class, on the team. or us as a franchise obviously it’s a great win.”
Of the Revs starting eleven, two players were playing in their first match with the club this year, two had played in five matches but had not started any and two more had one start and appearance.
New England’s inability to gain early chemistry persisted and though starters Juan Agudelo and Scott Caldwell subbed on, the Revs' late opportunities did not result in an equalizer.
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“Sometimes the chemistry takes a little while,” said Heaps. “Our urgency in the first half wasn’t there because you can make plays out of hard hustle and we didn’t quite do that. The second half we started to link together and put some more pressure on them. It felt like there was a goal in the game but unfortunately we didn’t capitalize.”
The result was the Revolution’s first loss in their opening round of US Open Cup play since 2012, when they last dropped a game to a lower-division team, losing on PKs to the Harrisburg City Islanders.
“I’m disappointed in some aspects of the game,” said Heaps. “I think we had put too much expectation and not enough preparation for this game.”
