The winless streak continues for the New England Revolution.
Despite being rested, and facing a Portland Timbers side that played midweek, traveled cross-country and lost their starting goalkeeper in the second half, the Revs were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw Saturday night at Gillette Stadium.
Both teams went nearly an hour without a shot of goal, until the Revs broke through behind Scott Caldwell's first goal of the year. Caldwell found himself in the right place to tap in a save by Timbers' backup goalkeeper Steve Clark off a volley from Kelyn Rowe. Clark had replace an injured Jeff Attinella a minute earlier.
The lead lasted just 12 minutes, as Lawrence Olum found the equalizer when he redirected a flicked on corner kick that crossed the line before a Revs player kicked it out.
The draw extended New England's winless run to nine straight games.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Obviously a draw is better than no points, but the Revs need wins not just to right the ship, but to keep from losing more ground as they sit just below the East playoff line. For Portland, it was a gritty come-from-behind road point in a busy week, and they remain in the playoff hunt in a crowded West.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Both teams had solid chances to take the lead late, and both may rue these misses. While no doubt that Revs forward Cristian Penilla should've done better with an attempt that he sailed, Lucas Melano missed an open sitter from two yards out in the final minute that would've likely given Portland a full three points.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: If the Revs want to turn this around, they'll need more players playing with the confidence Kelyn Rowe showed on the night. From his first-minute backheel to the impressive volley that resulted in the goal, Rowe did his part on the night.
Up Next
- NE: Wednesday, September 5 at NYCFC (7 pm ET | TV & streaming info)
- Portland: Saturday, September 8 vs Colorado (10:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info)
