MONTREAL—Mission accomplished.
The New England Revolution knew going into their match against the Montreal Impact that it was a must-win game, and they achieved their goal of picking up maximum points via a 3-1 win at Stade Saputo. The victory, combined with a Columbus Crew SC win over Orlando and D.C. United's draw with Chicago, vaults New England into the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with 36 points.
"We know how to be a playoff team and we've been on these runs at the end of the year to win games," said Revolution midfielder Kelyn Rowe. "Right now we're in good form to do it."
The scoring opened with what might have been the best 23 seconds New England have had all season: A textbook cross from Rowe ended up on the head of Kei Kamara, who made no mistake by putting it past Evan Bush and into the far side corner for his fifth Revolution goal this season.
While Kamara had a solid night with a goal and an assist, it was Rowe that had a spectacular performance by scoring a brace in addition to setting up the opener. Rowe's first goal came in the 27th minute when he found himself alone at the top of the box and fired a shot in for his fourth tally of the season. He struck again just before the hour-mark and after the Impact had closed the gap on a penalty kick.
Afterward, head coach Jay Heaps lauded Rowe's consistency throughout the season, but added that it's a pivotal time in the seasons to see results.
"Kelyn's been consistent all year and now you're seeing production," Heaps said. "I like when he gets forward and gets chances because he usually scores in bunches. Hopefully he gets going right about now."
While Revolution goalkeeper Brad Knighton played a solid game, the Impact had their fair share of opportunities in the match. Fortunately for New England, many of them ended up in the stands as the home team failed to convert on its chances. The lone goal scored by Montreal was on a penalty kick that came via a questionable handball call.
"It's a gut punch when they get one like that," said Rowe, who scored his second goal nine minutes after the Impact's spot kick. "It says a lot about our team that we were able to press back.
With a critical road win now in the bag, the Revolution will be depending on that mental grit to endure what will inevitably a dead heat in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
