Revs Bounce Back With 1-0 Victory Against The Whitecaps

The New England Revolution came into their match Saturday Night with Vancouver struggling to score goals. A victory against the expansion team from Canada was important to get their season heading in a positive direction. The Revs would have a poor first half, but they would make up for it later in the match. Shalrie Joseph got the game winner on a penalty kick in the second half. The Revs bounce back with a 1-0 victory against the Whitecaps.

The was a game of two completely different halves for the Revs. The first half saw the club taking the play early to Vancouver. Chris Tierney was the star in the beginning of the game with some great crosses to set up scoring chances for the Revs. In the 15th minute, Tierney sent a great pass into the box, which led to a shot by Stephen McCarthy that just went over the net.

In the 19th minute, Tierney again sent a great ball into the box. Benny Feilhaber had a great header that was just deflected away by a Vancouver defender.

In the 26th minute, Tierney had his own opportunity to score on a free kick. His shot from 35 yards away, just sails over the net. With the play of Tierney the Revs came out strong.

However, as the half went on the Whitecaps gained a good amount of possession, and control of the game. Shea Salinas for Vancouver in particular was giving the Revs defender Darrius Barnes fits on the right side.

Also, passing in the midfield was sloppy, and the Revs were fortunate they did not give up a goal in the first half. Neither team were able to convert as the half ended with a 0-0 score.

However, the second half saw the Revs looked like a completely different team as they took the play to the Whitecaps. It wouldn't take long for the Revs take the lead.

In the 48th minute, Feilhaber was fouled in the box by Vancouver's Wes Knight. The referee points to the spot, and awarded the penalty kick to the Revs. Shalrie Joseph drilled the ball past Vancouver goalkeeper Jay Nolly to give the Revs the 1-0 lead.

The Revs were looking to add to their lead several minutes later. In the 55th minute, Rajko Lekic sent a great pass to Feilhaber who appeared to score on his shot. However, the goal did not stand as Feilhaber was called for offsides.

The Revs continued to put the pressure on, and were looking for that second goal. In the 76th minute, Feilhaber again had another shot just outside of the box. This was followed up a few minutes later by a great shot by Sainey Nyassi.  However, Nolly made a great save on the attempt to keep the game close.

Vancouver almost tied the game late in the match. In the 89th minute, Salinas sent a great cross to Long Tan. His shot was nicely saved by Revs goalkeeper Matt Reis. He preserved the shutout, and the 1-0 victory for the Revs.

In the end, this match was a very uneven performance for the Revs. However, they were able to get all 3 points and the victory. Hopefully, the second half performance by the club will be something to build on in the near future.

Man Of The Match: Benny Feilhaber was the difference in the second half for the Revs. Feilhaber really helped control the pace of the game with his possession and passing. He also had a few opportunities of his own to score. He is proving to be a very wise signing this season for the Revs.

Runner Up: Chris Tierney had some wonderful crosses in the first half. He really gave the Revs some good opportunities to score. He also had a shot of his own that just went over the net.

The Revs will next be in action on Saturday May 21st, on the road to face the San Jose Earthquakes. The game takes place at Buck Shaw Stadium, and the starting time is 10:30 PM EST.

New England Revolution: Matt Reis, Darrius Barnes, A.J. Soares, Ryan Cochrane, Kevin Alston, Chris Tierney, Benny Feilhaber, Shalrie Joseph , Stephen McCarthy, Zak Boggs (Sainey Nyassi 75), Rajko Lekic (Kheli Dube 81)