Revs win finale, but changes on way
FOXBORO – The Revolution used a milestone goal by Diego Fagundez to turn back the Montreal Impact 1-0 in their season finale at Gillette Stadium.
The teams were locked in a scoreless battle entering the 75th minute when Cristian Penilla slipped the ball to Fagundez, who held his position momentarily outside the box before unleashing a shot that found the lower left corner past lunging Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush. The goal was the eighth of the season for the Leominster product and made Fagundez the youngest player in MLS history to reach 50 career goals at 23 years, 254 days.
“I was hungry for it. When I touched it and it went in it was great to do it at home in front of my family and friends,’’ said Fagundez, who drew a yellow card for excessive celebration. “I’m just trying to get better and give everything I have to make the club better.”
Fagundez, who could have a future opportunity to play elsewhere, said, “At some point, I think every player looks around but only if it’s the right move and it makes everyone happy.’’
First-year Revs coach Brad Friedel, who praised the “professionalism” of his team depsite not advancing to the playoffs, promised changes will come.
“I really believe that in the 11 draws eight of them we could have won. It comes down to killer instinct in the final third and we will address that in the offseason,’’ said Friedel, who touched on personnel decisions. “Now, it’s down to attention to detail. The players we do take along will be committed players. It hasn’t been communicated yet to the players but it will be done in the course of next week and in accordance with MLS rules.’’
After a lackluster half, the Revs (10-13-11), who were playing for pride as well as jobs for next season, produced down the stretch, knocking off Montreal (1416-4) for the fourth straight time at home.
The Revs almost got lucky early when Impact defender Jukka Raitala nearly booted a Revs delivery into his own net in the eighth minute.
Snake-bit forward Teal Bunbury’s scoring drought conintued, but he established new career highs for appearances (32), starts (29) and minutes played (2,566).
Said forward Juan Agudelo on the difficult season: “There were a lot of ups and down this season. Everyone wants to play. I know the coaching staff, they were trying to change things to see what could happen. It’s football. I’m excited to be part of what’s to come.”