Revolution tie, but can’t gain ground in East

Revolution 2 FC Cincinnati 2

The Revolution are still chasing FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference after playing to a 2-2 tie at TQL Stadium Saturday night, but they proved once again they have the leagueleaders’ number, snapping their 10-game home winning streak and staying unbeaten (5-0-2) in the head-to-head series since coach Bruce Arena’s arrival in 2019.

Gustavo Bou provided the offense as the Revolution (103-7, 37 points) took a 2-1 halftime lead. But Cincinnati (132-5, 44 points) rallied as former Boston University striker Dominique Badji equalized with his second goal of the game.

Badji opened the scoring off a Yuya Kubo cross in the 11th minute, then surrendered an own goal (15th), set up as goalie Roman Celentano punched away Bou’s shot. Bou broke the deadlock (24th) with a left-foot finish after Emmanuel Boateng floated a cross to the back post.

Badji tied the score on a leftfooter (55th) from the top of the penalty area, after referee Jon Freemon cautioned Carles Gil (51st), then allowed play to continue after contact involving Latif Blessing and Kubo.

The Revolution lost momentum, surviving an Alvaro Barreal shot saved by Djordje Petrovic (57th), but rallied and appeared to take the lead before Giacomo Vrioni was ruled offside after finding Gil in front in the second minute of injury time.

Observations from Saturday’s game:

■ Defining moment: Bou’s shot for an own goal indicated the Revolution would be dangerous in attack. On the sequence, Badji had retreated into the penalty area to defend a corner kick, and remained near the goal instead of pulling out to set up a counter attack. Cincinnati soon realized it needed to be effective pressing, or else risk being exposed by Gil and Bou. That mind-set paid off, but the Revolution nearly made Cincinnati pay late in the first half and during second-half added time.

■ Difference-maker: Bou provided the finishing touch, leading to an own goal, as well as his fourth of the season, then hit the post on a free kick. But the Revolution failed to find Bou in the second half, struggling to play out of the back or connect in midfield.

■ Tactical: Arena went with a 4-4-2 formation, using the same starters two successive games for the first time this season. But the Revolution’s depth is being tested without defender DeJuan Jones (US national team) and three other starters injured.

■ Statistical analysis: The Revolution were credited with less than one “expected goal” (0.59) but were on the verge of converting three in first-half stoppage time alone. Ryan Spaulding failed to find Bobby Wood breaking in alone (45+2); Wood was taken down, preventing him from dishing to Bou, solo in the penalty area (45+5); then, Bou’s free kick hit the left post just before Freemon’s halftime whistle.

■ Road ahead: The Revolution could be missing Gil (suspended — unless the team appeals what appeared to be a missed call by Freemon) and will take a seven-game (3-0-4) unbeaten streak on the road against the New York Red Bulls next Saturday. Gil committed his third foul of the season, yet has been issued five cautions.

■ What they said: “It was really hot and humid. It was probably in the mid-80s and pretty humid. It was a tough game for us. I think our guys certainly felt the heat in the second half.” (Arena)

“It was extremely muggy and hot, and everybody was just trying to survive out there. We battled and we fought hard, that’s a positive to take away. I don’t think we were good enough at keeping the ball in the second half. Sloppy game in general, which you don’t really expect from two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.” (Revolution defender Dave Romney)