FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — A bittersweet aftertaste accompanied Milton Caraglio's first two MLS goals in the New England Revolution’s 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls at Gillette Stadium.
Caraglio scored twice in the first half — the first two-goal performance by any New England player since Zak Boggs' double at Columbus on May 8, 2010 — to give the Revolution a comfortable cushion by halftime, but Dane Richards answered back with two second half goals to snatch a point for the Red Bulls.
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“[It feels] good, but, obviously, it is a sour feeling because (the goals) did not help the team win,” Caraglio said through a translator. “Obviously, there are things we need to work on to prevent this from happening.”
While the Revs' penchant for mistakes again cost them in the second half, Caraglio's overall performance offered a promising glimpse of the talent that tempted European scouts during his stint at Rosario Central.
The Argentine striker had settled in fairly well during his first three appearances with the Revs, but this productive display supplied a better reflection of Caraglio's ability, according to Revolution defender A.J. Soares.
“Milton showed his quality today,” Soares said. “I've seen that a bunch of times in training, so it's good that he did it in a game and everyone could see how quality of a player he is. He's very good. He's a great finisher and a big, strong guy. He did a lot on the field, too, working defensively and holding the ball up for us.”
Although Caraglio's pair of goals did not ultimately provide the foundation for a New England victory, his shift — and the burgeoning partnership with Rajko Lekic (back in the lineup after a three-match absence with a right great toe fracture) up front — bodes well for the Revolution attack in the closing stages of the campaign.
“It’s exactly what you want [from Caraglio],” Revolution coach Steve Nicol said. “He’s a center forward and he held the ball up great. We had a huge difference just getting out with him and Rajko [Lekic]. For the short time they’ve been together, they look as though they’ll do well together, which is what you hope for.”
