The New England Revolution had their chances against D.C. United on Saturday afternoon, but some stout defensive work on both ends – and an intervention by the crossbar – meant the two MLS originals ended their first meeting of 2016 without goals.
New England had the better of the play throughout the game, dominating both the possession and shot totals, but failed to create many clear cut chances or seriously test D.C. 'keeper Travis Worra, who was making his first career MLS start. Lee Nguyen came the closest to scoring in the 55th minute, when he rattled his shot off the crossbar after some quality setup play from the Revs. Substitute Kelyn Rowe had a great chance to win it with seconds left in stoppage time, but dragged his low shot wide of Worra's far post.
Box Score
Three Things
1. ALL FLAIR, NO FINISH: The Revs enjoyed a dominant game on the stat sheet in every area but the one that ultimately counts. They finished with just shy of 60 percent of the possession and 18 shots to D.C.’s eight, though both teams put just three of their efforts on target. The Revs had a few chances – and plenty of creative play from arguably the best midfield in MLS – but an unlucky bounce and some wayward shooting meant they weren’t able to capitalize.
The Revs will also have questions about a no-call from referee Silviu Petrescu late in the game when D.C. defender Sean Franklin, who was already on a yellow card, appeared to hold back New England’s Juan Agudelo as he tried to run onto a ball in the D.C. area only for no whistle to sound.
2. DON’T WORRA: D.C.’s early-season revolving door at goalkeeper continued on Saturday after Andrew Dykstra – filling in for injured starter Bill Hamid – was himself left off the team’s traveling squad with back spasms after conceding four goals in D.C.’s season opener. Travis Worra, who had only 32 minutes of prior MLS experience, was the next man up, and though he had some shaky moments, he made a key save on Lee Nguyen as the game wound down and kept the all-important clean sheet on the road.
3. DAVIES GOES DOWN: Revs fans – not to mention the coaching staff and players – will be holding their collective breath after forward Charlie Davies went down midway through the first half in the center circle during a D.C. attack – he was not involved in the play, but had attempted a bicycle kick minutes earlier. He was replaced in the 34th minute by Juan Agudelo, who proved effective, but the Revs will be hoping for the quick return of the man who bagged 10 goals and four assists for them last year.
Next Up
- NE: Sunday 3/20 at Philadelphia (2:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE)
- DC: Sunday 3/20 vs. Colorado (5 pm ET, ESPN2)
