The Chicago Fire handed the New England Revolution their first loss at Gillette Stadium in 2017 on Saturday to the tune of a 2-1 tightly contested victory.
The Revs had previously been unbeaten at home for 11 total games.
MLS Golden Boot leader Nemanja Nikolic bagged his 13th goal of the season to give the Fire an early lead in the 18th minute and Chicago doubled their lead in the 61st minute with a collected finish by Luis Solignac. The Revs answered with a 70th minute headed goal by Antonio Mlinar Delamea.
Goals
- 18' – CHI– Nemanja Nikolic Watch
- 61' – CHI – Luis Solignac Watch
- 70’ – NE – Antonio Mlinar Delamea Watch
Three Things
- NO HOME COOKING FOR REVS: The Gillette Stadium turf has been kind to Jay Heaps and company so far in 2017. On Saturday, though, the Revolution were unable to keep their impressive home unbeaten streak alive after Eastern Conference foes the Chicago Fire took all three points from the match.
The loss was not for lack of offensive effort by New England. After conceding the first two goals, the Revs ramped up the pressure and consistently knocked on the door in the dying embers of the game. Based on their near-misses, it appeared the men in blue were destined to salvage a point but the Fire defense managed to hold on for a nail-biting three points. - NIKOLIC STAYS SCORCHING: After NYCFC captain David Villa’s two-goal effort earlier on Saturday, Chicago’s top striker responded with his 13th MLS goal of the season so far. That’s 13 goals in 16 matches played and it came in traditional Nikolic fashion; toeing the offside line to perfection and coolly finishing from close range.
- SCHWEINSTEIGER DEALS FROM DEEP: Credit to Chicago Fire coach Veljko Paunovic for his tactics on Saturday. Chicago’s plan to have stud midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger split their center backs in possession and control the tempo from a deep position was effective. Not only did the German have plenty of touches to dole out; but he also was a monster on the defensive side of things. His intelligent reading of the New England attack allowed him to snuff out dangerous forays and his ability to intercept passes befuddled the Revs for a great deal of the first half.
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