Revolution lose after equalizer waved off
The Revolution started the game without captain Carles Gil, and played more than 30 minutes with a numerical disadvantage in falling, 2-1, to the New York Red Bulls Saturday night in Harrison, N.J.
Despite competing at less than full strength, the visiting Revolution (10-4-7, 37 points) rallied on a Brandon Bye header and had a chance to tie the score in added time before a goal was disallowed after a VAR review.
Frankie Amaya opened the scoring with a 59th-minute header off a Dante Vanzeir cross as the Red Bulls (6-7-8, 26 points) capitalized on an Esmir Bajraktarevic turnover. A minute later, Latif Blessing was redcarded after fouling Amaya in the center circle and will be suspended for the Revolution’s home match against Atlanta United on Wednesday.
Coach Bruce Arena went with a quadruple substitution in the 68th minute, with Ian Harkes making his Revolution debut. The Revolution seemed refreshed by the replacements, and Bye equalized with a 76thminute header off a Gustavo Bou corner kick. The sequence was set up when Ryan Spaulding was fouled by Cameron Harper, who was cautioned, and Bou’s free kick went for a corner.
The Revolution appeared set to hold off the Red Bulls, who were issued three cautions from the 74th through 82nd minutes.
Djordje Petrovic, who made a diving save on an Andres Reyes deflected header in the first half, batted away another Reyes header in the 82d minute, leading to a Revolution breakaway.
But the Revolution lost possession near the center circle after Petrovic rolled out to Matt Polster, and substitute Wikelman Carmona broke the deadlock with a shot deflected by Harkes just under the bar in the 85th minute.
In the third minute of added time, Andrew Farrell appeared to equalize with a low one-timer off the inside of the left post, but the score was disallowed for offsides two minutes later, following a VAR review.
The Red Bulls signaled their intention to play hyper-aggressively as Reyes fouled Bobby Wood within the first 30 seconds of play. The Red Bulls attempted to capitalize on quickly taken dead-ball situations and high pressing. The Revolution struggled to play out of the back against the Red Bulls’ high-energy approach.
Observations from Saturday’s game:
▪ Defining moment: Farrell’s disallowed score was the third of the Revolution season: the others by Dylan Borrero in a 1-1 tie with Atlanta United and Noel Buck in a 2-1 loss to Inter Miami. The Revolution made a spirited comeback, rallying to tie the score and appearing to score again during stoppage time.
▪ Difference-maker: Video Assistant Referee. Arena said Farrell’s drive was deflected, negating Giacomo Vrioni being in an offside position. In any case, if Vrioni interfered with Carlos Coronel’s vision, there was no chance to stop the shot, which, thanks partly to a deflection, was perfectly placed.
▪ Tactical: Arena went with a 4-4-2 formation, and had the Revolution in attack mode, which paid off as they were able to rally.
▪ Statistical analysis: The Revolution struggled to escape the Red Bulls’ pressure, making several turnovers: but the only costly ones were unforced errors, imprecise touches by Bajraktarevic and Polster leading to both goals. The Red Bulls won the shooting contest, 22-6. But the Revolution had chances in the run of play, the best as Bajraktarevic, replacing Gil, missed high (ninth minute) off an Emmanuel Boateng cross.
▪ Road ahead: Gil, suspended after accumulating five cautions, is expected to return against Atlanta United at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday. The Revolution then meet D.C. United at home Saturday.
▪ What they said: “We know how they play, it’s the Red Bulls’ way. Every game we play against them is a tough, physical game. They’re winning second balls and they’re attacking everything. We have to understand that, and it takes a little bit to get into the mind-set. I think once we did, we found some of the ball and were able to connect passes.” — Bye
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The Revolution have signed Argentinian forward Tomás Alejandro Chancalay on loan from Racing Club, according to league sources. Chancalay will join the team next week but his status has not been determined for home games against Atlanta United on Wednesday and D.C. United Saturday.
Chancalay, 24, has been playing for Al-Wasl SC in the United Arab Emirates on loan from Racing. He last performed for Al-Wasl in a 5-1 win over Khor Fakkan on May 11. The loan deal extended through June, when Al-Wasl brought in Caio Canedo, who starred at Nantucket High School from 200506, making Chancalay expendable.
Chancalay, a right-footed left winger, is expected to replace Dylan Borrero, who sustained a season-ending knee injury in April. Chancalay, 24, played for Argentina in the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup and spent most of his career with CA Colón and Racing before moving to AlWasl last year.
Performing for Racing, Chancalay finished tied for seventh in scoring in the 2021 Copa Libertadores with five goals in six games. Chancalay formed an effective combination at Racing with forwards such as Enzo Copetti (now with Charlotte FC) and Ignacio Piatti (ex-Montreal CF).
Last year, Chancalay moved to Al-Wasl along with former Racing coach Juan Antonio Pizzi. Chancalay started his career with Colon in 2017 under the guidance of ex-Los Angeles Galaxy defender Eduardo “El Barba” Domínguez.
The Revolution have used 11 Argentinian players in their 28year history, including Bou, who also played for Racing. Bou is the team’s top-scoring import with 44 goals in four-plus seasons. Chancalay’s salary will elevate him to Designated Player status, should the Revolution extend his loan or pay a transfer fee for him in 2024.
Bou’s contract ends this year, opening a third DP slot next year.