New England Revolution 3, DC United 2 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

The New England Revolution and D.C. United returned from their World Cup bye playing a little rusty at the start, but the Revolution ultimately prevailed in a competitive 3-2 win at Gillette Stadium on Saturday.

New England opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a well-worked goal in their final third, with Cristian Penilla burying a one-timer on a cutback pass. D.C. then equalized a few minutes before halftime on a free kick from Zoltan Stieber, which was deflected in by Yamil Asad. But Teal Bunbury dealt with an aerial ball in the D.C. box moments before halftime better than the United defenders, and slotted the shot in to put New England ahead once more.

The score remained in the Revolution's favor until Darren Mattocks drew a penalty in the 72nd minute from a push by New England defender Claude Dielna. Asad took the penalty, and converted it for his second goal of the night.

But D.C. conceded a penalty a few minutes later, and Penilla buried the spot kick to make it 3-2 for the home side, and the Revolution held on this time for the win.

Goals

• 18' – NE – Cristian Penilla | WATCH
• 43' – DC – Yamil Asad | WATCH
• 45+1' – NE – Teal Bunbury | WATCH
• 73' – DC – Yamil Asad (PK) | WATCH
• 78' – NE – Cristian Penilla (PK) | WATCH

Three Things 

THE BIG PICTURE: Brad Friedel was furious at his team's performance in his halftime interview on the Revs broadcast, but even with the shaky performance the Revolution extended their unbeaten run in league play to six games. D.C., meanwhile, encountered another tough break, and have to be counting down the days until they can settle in at Audi Field.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: After D.C. clawed back into the game, Bunbury scoring on a defensive breakdown gave the Revolution a big boost heading into the halftime break.
July 1, 2018

MAN OF THE MATCH: Bunbury and Asad are among the players under consideration, but the honor has to go to Penilla, who scored two goals, one good open-play strike and another the winning strike from the penalty spot. MLS All-Star snub motivation, perhaps?

Next Up

• NE Revs: Saturday, July 7 vs. Seattle Sounders (7:30 pm ET | TSN — Full TV & Streaming Info)
• D.C. United: Wednesday, July 4 at LA Galaxy (10:30 pm ET | TV & Streaming Info)