Late own goal dooms Revs in loss to Red Bulls

The New England Revolution’s losing streak was extended to four games on a fluke.

New York Red Bulls attacker Ashley Fletcher’s crossing pass bounced off Revolution midfielder Matt Polster and across the goal line to steal a 1-0 victory in the 90th minute on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium. The Revolution dropped to 1-3-1 after three MLS losses and a Champions League setback against Pumas UNAM.

Revolution striker Adam Buksa drew a red card and head coach Bruce Arena was dealt a yellow by referee Victor Rivas in stoppage time to add a bitter finish to a harsh loss.

“Our guys played a good, hard game and were a bit unlucky to concede that goal at the end,” said Arena. “Let’s face it, that was a poorly officiated game and it was a bit of a factor.

“I’m not saying it determined the outcome, but it was a bit of a factor.”

Arena made alterations to his starting 11 from the group he put on the pitch at Charlotte on March 16. The most notable was veteran keeper Brad Knighton in place of Earl Edwards Jr., who started the four MLS games and both CONCACAF matches with Pumas.

“I think (Knighton) did a good job and he made some good saves,” said Arena.

The first half took on a nasty tone early and escalated with bodies from both camps maliciously knocked to the turf. Rivas attempted to defuse the proceedings with verbal warnings before issuing a yellow card to Kessler in the 25th minute.

Red Bulls midfielder Frankie Amaya drew a yellow card for corkscrewing Carles Gil in the 33rd minute and Dru Yearwood got carded in the 44th minute. The Red Bulls entered the match averaging 22.25 fouls per game and had 14 in the first half and 24 on the match.