WASHINGTON – One step forward has been quickly followed by one step back for the New England Revolution.
The Revs finally earned their first 2016 MLS road win in seven tries with last week's victory at Vancouver, a result that sparked optimism as they carried a three-game winning streak to the nation's capital for Saturday's clash vs. D.C. United.
But the hosts pounced on them from the opening whistle, and the 2-0 lead D.C. built over the first 27 minutes proved more than enough to send New England home frustrated.
“Across the board, we just didn't get into dangerous spots early enough,” said head coach Jay Heaps. “We felt like we gave them an opportunity for a goal, and they took it, and then we were playing catch-up. D.C.'s really good, they know how to close out a game pretty well. They just did it really well in Houston and they did it here on us. We weren't even extremely dangerous after they scored, and that's what's disappointing the most.”
Even with a makeshift defense featuring center back Jalen Robinson making his first MLS start, United were rarely troubled by Kei Kamara, Lee Nguyen and the rest of the Revs' substantial attacking weapons.
“Yeah, it's a tough place to come and play – especially when you spot a team two goals,” said goalkeeper Brad Knighton.
“Obviously the guys are frustrated. We've won three in a row, so we've been in good form and we've been scoring goals. It's just one of those nights where something's not clicking.”
New England's 2015 season crashed to an unexpectedly early end at RFK Stadium with their Knockout Round playoff loss to United last fall, and Saturday's setback caps a season sweep for D.C. as the Black-and-Red took two home wins and a road draw off the Revs.
“Coming off a good victory in Vancouver, we were on a high, and we didn't bring the same tenacity, we didn't bring that same fight, and we got caught,” said Kelyn Rowe. “I think if we play our game, if we come out and fight and create more chances, I think we're the better team. It just didn't come out tonight.”
