The New England Revolution picked up their first win in three with a 2-1 victory against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.
The visitors started the game in commanding form, picking up their first shot with an effort from Tajon Buchanan within 30 seconds of kickoff. By the third minute, the Revolution were already ahead through a goal from Teal Bunbury. DeJuan Jones received the ball near the Revolution goal and promptly sent it upfield, where it found Bunbury at the halfway line. Bunbury played a quick pass to a nearby Lee Nguyen, who then sent it back to Bunbury as he positioned himself for a run to the goal, then taking on goalkeeper Sean Johnson for the finish inside the box.
After a slow start, NYCFC gradually began to assert themselves in the game. The hosts recorded 10 shots and six on target as they quickly began the search for an equalizer. Valentin Castellanos and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi had efforts but Matt Turner made the necessary saves.
A similar pattern continued in the second half. In the 53rd minute, a Castellanos shot looked certain for goal until defender Brandon Bye blocked it and sent it out for a corner. The visitors had their openings, too, recording six shots and four on target in the second half, and were eventually rewarded when they earned a penalty in the 78th minute.
Alexander Callens fouled substitute Matt Polster in the penalty area, earning the Revolution's second penalty in as many games. Though they missed midweek through Adam Buksa, Nguyen stepped up this time and converted the shot to double their lead.
NYCFC finally got a goal of their own in the final minute. Callens made up for his earlier slip up with a goal from his side's ninth corner, swung in by captain Alexander Ring.
Goals
- 3' - NE - Teal Bunbury | WATCH
- 80' - NE - Lee Nguyen (PK) | WATCH
- 90'+3 - NYC - Alexander Callens | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: The win is a big one for the Revs and takes them just one point being fifth-placed NYCFC in the Eastern Conference standings. After three-straight wins, some fatigue looked to have set in for NYCFC as they suffer a blow to their hopes of challenging for a top-four spot.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: The Revolution were not always dominant, but they came out of the match flying and took the lead in the third minute with a Teal Bunbury effort that would allow them to be in a strong position all game.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Lee Nguyen was key to the Revolution's success, consistently allowing his team to stay in the match with his offensive play, the result of which was him getting the assist on the first goal and scoring the game winning penalty.
Next Up
- NYC: Wednesday, October 14 at Orlando City (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
- NE: Wednesday, October 14 at Montreal Impact (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+; TSN5, TVA Sports in Canada)
