Revs continue to struggle on road
CHESTER, Pa. — Coach Jay Heaps offered a rather harsh assessment of the Revolution’s performance following its 10th road game — all without a win — this season.
“Bad start to the half, bad start to the game, and just overall not good enough in any capacity,” Heaps said.
When it was finished, the Philadelphia Union had a 3-0 victory yesterday over the struggling Revolution at Talen Energy Stadium. It was the Revs’ third straight loss and they dipped to 0-73 away from home.
In a bit of déjà vu, the Revs once again conceded an early goal. On the Philadelphia’s first foray into the Revs’ final third, a C.J. Sapong cross hit defender Benjamin Angoua on the arm. Referee Chris Penso pointed to the spot and Sapong converted by driving his penalty shot high and hard down the middle and past goalie Cody Cropper.
“We started off slow, and the Union capitalized on that,” Revs midfielder Lee Nguyen said. “It’s been that recurring theme for us the last couple of games, just shooting ourselves in the foot.”
With several key players missing in their attack, the Revs struggled to respond. The MLS disciplinary committee suspended midfielder Diego Fagundez one game for stomping on the legs of Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco in last Friday’s loss.
Kelyn Rowe and Juan Agudelo were also absent and on duty for the United States national men’s soccer team. Rowe made his international debut in Saturday’s 2-1 friendly victory over Ghana.
Union goalie Andre Blake snuffed out an opportunity for Kei Kamara to equalize in the 12th minute. Teal Bunbury forced a steal in Philadelphia territory, then fed the ball to Kamara on the right side of the box. Blake sprinted out to cut down the angle and preserve Philadelphia’s lead.
Blake only needed to make two more saves in the game.
The second half started just as poorly for the Revs. In the 48th minute, FabriceJean Picault threaded a pass through the Revs defense to Ilsinho, who one-timed a volley past Cropper for a 2-0 lead.
Roland Alberg, who replaced Ilsinho, announced his arrival in style. His first touch of the evening was a powerful, curling shot from long distance into the top right corner to cap the scoring.