New England Revolution 3, Toronto FC 2 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

Alicia Rodriguez

The New England Revolution raced out to an early lead, and it held up, as they defeated Toronto FC 3-2 on Saturday at Gillette Stadium.

The scoring started early, as the Revolution forced a turnover near the center line, and on a counterattack, Teal Bunbury fed Cristian Penilla, who made no mistake with his shot from distance in the fourth minute. The Ecuadorian completed a quick brace just three minutes later, taking another turnover from Ager Aketxe and hitting the open net after TFC 'keeper Alex Bono was caught out playing the ball.

Following the halftime break, the Revolution piled onto their lead, as Teal Bunbury notched his fifth goal of the season.

Toronto FC tried to find a foothold in the game, and forced an own goal off a Jay Chapman cross in the 55th minute. Sebastian Giovinco scored a late penalty to bring TFC closer, but following the goal, he grabbed Wilfried Zahibo's face before the kick off, and was issued a straight red card.

Goals

4' – NE – Cristian Penilla | WATCH
7' – NE – Cristian Penilla | WATCH
46' – NE – Teal Bunbury | WATCH
55' – TOR – Antonio Delamea (OG) | WATCH
89' – TOR – Sebastian Giovinco (PK) | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: New England extended their home unbeaten run to seven games, and their press early in the game worked wonders. TFC played a heavily rotated lineup, and it showed, as Penilla's brace laid bare a sloppy start, and the visitors could never completely climb out of the hole.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: The second goal was a tale of two teams on the night. New England, hungry, savvy, and able to capitalize on a turnover for TFC that encapsulated their night.