Struggling Revolution fall to New York City FC, 2-0

NEW YORK — Agustín Ojeda scored the first goal of his career early in the second half, Julián Fernández scored late and New York City FC pulled out a 2-0 victory over the New England Revolution Saturday night at Yankee Stadium.

Neither team scored until Ojeda found the net unassisted in the 57th minute to give New York City (2-4-2, 8 points)) the lead. Ojeda drilled a right-footed shot from the center of the box to the top right corner of the net. He was making his first start and fourth appearance.

NYCFC picked up an insurance goal in the third minute of stoppage time when Julián Fernández used an assist from Kevin O’Toole to score for the first time this season.

Fernández had two goals in two starts and nine appearances last season. It was his third start and eighth appearance this season.

Goalkeeper Matt Freese turned away five shots to post his first clean sheet of the season for New York City. Freese saved three shots in the first half.

In the first half, Tomas Chancalay provided the best of the Revolution’s scoring opportunities, including a 27th-minute volley that was saved by

Freese. The Argentine had another shot skim the crossbar seconds later. Soon after, Revolution captain Carles Gil tried his luck from outside the box with a left-footed shot in the 28th minute, also saved by Freese. Forward Giacomo Vrioni was also involved in the attack throughout the night, contributing two shots on target.

New England applied pressure late and created several chances to even the score, including a shot from defender Ryan Spaulding in the 78th minute that took a deflection and nearly trickled over the goal line.

The Revolution’s best opportunity to equalize came on a header from Chancalay from Gil’s pinpoint cross, but the powerful attempt was denied by Freese. Fernández put the game out of reach in stoppage time with a strike into the top-left corner past a diving Revolution goalkeeper Henrich Ravas, sealing the 2-0 win for the hosts.

Ravas, coming off his first career clean sheet in a 1-0 victory over Charlotte FC last week, had four saves for the Revolution (1-5-1, 4 points), who are off to a rough start under first-year manager Caleb Porter.

The Revolution lead the all-time series 10-9-7 with a 34-33 edge in goals scored.