Revolution tie in Leagues Cup opener
Revolution 0 NY Red Bulls 0
The Revolution figured out another way to lose at Red Bull Arena, this time in the Leagues Cup on Saturday night. Actually, the match finished in a 0-0 tie, and the New York Red Bulls took the post-match penalty kick shootout, worth 2 points in group play standings. The Revolution earned 1 point.
Giacomo Vrioni produced one of the Revolution’s best chances in the final seconds of added time. But in penalty kicks, DeJuan Jones hit the post and Vrioni’s shot was saved by Carlos Coronel, then John Tolkin converted the clincher as the Revolution lost, 4-2.
This was a wide-open contest, both teams struggling with possession as the Red Bulls exhibited a disruptive style. New York sent messages early, Tolkin fouling Bobby Wood six seconds into the contest, and Cameron Harper knocking down Revolution captain Carles Gil on his first touch of the game.
The Red Bulls had the best chances to open the scoring in the opening half. But Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic blocked an Omir Fernandez point-blank left-footer in the 39th minute, then Tom Barlow had a goal disallowed after being correctly ruled offside.
In the second half, the Revolution threatened as a Gustavo Bou left-footer (69th) and Vrioni shot (4th minute of stoppage time) were saved.
The Revolution have a 2-11-3 record against the Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena, where they’ve won only once since the 2014 MLS Cup.
Observations from Saturday’s game:
Defining moment: In the 68th minute, Wood broke in alone on Coronel, but failed to get a shot after struggling to control a lead pass from Bou. Seconds later, Bou had a leftfooter saved. The sequences occurred just after the Red Bulls made a triple substitution, the Revolution catching them out of position.
Difference-maker: Andrew Farrell and Dave Romney combined in central defense to short-circuit Red Bull forwards, a week after holding off D.C. United’s Christian Benteke. When the Revolution visited the Red Bulls two weeks ago, Farrell had an injury-time equalizing goal disallowed, the call later revised by the league, though too late for it to count.
Tactical: The Red Bulls’ strategy is based on frustrating opponents, then capitalizing on turnovers (Romney calls it “college soccer-esque”). The tactic usually produces chances, but Revolution
midfielders Noel Buck, Ian Harkes, and Mark-Anthony Kaye (making his Revolution debut in place of Matt Polster) kept things under control. The Red Bulls’ chaotic approach doesn’t allow them to conserve energy or pace themselves; the Revolution hoped to capitalize when New York’s energy flagged, but failed to finish.
Statistical analysis: The Revolution held the possession edge (52 percent) but both teams had difficulty with their passing game.
By the numbers: Petrovic earned his second successive shutout and eighth of the year.
Road ahead: The Revolution host Atletico San Luis on Wednesday, and a victory or penalty shootout win could put them in position to advance to the elimination round. Liga MX and MLS teams are taking a month off from league play, and if the Revolution do not advance, they will not have another game until Aug. 20.
What they said: “A grind-out affair, if you play the Red Bulls that’s what the games are going to look like. There’s a lot of contact, challenging on the referee — maybe he was in a little over his head on some of this. They want to get after the ball and chase it and battle and I think they hit the wall a little and the substitutions they made, I think, helped them get into the shootout. We’re still in the competition. We have to win Wednesday. Our mission is clear.” — Revolution coach Bruce Arena