New England Revolution dominate top dog Toronto FC

The New England Revolution continue their fantastic home record by embarrassing Toronto FC 3-0 in Gillette Stadium.

I will be the first to say that I underestimated the New England Revolution coming into the match.

In my preview article I expected Toronto to end the Rev’s 10 game unbeaten streak at home. Toronto had only lost one match so far and were far and above the best in the league. Even so, my thought that “the game isn’t played on the past” held true.

Let’s see how the Revs toppled Toronto.

Game Recap

I had predicted that the attacking power of Toronto wouldn’t be slowed by the absence of Jozy Altidore. I also didn’t expect Michael Bradley‘s absence would result in the first three-goal game against Toronto this year. Nobody’s perfect.

For the first time in a long time, the Revs’ attack refused to slow down. They out-shot Toronto 19-11 with six on target vs. three.

Despite continuing their habit of losing the possession competition they brought the difference to only four percent. Early in the match the Revs were ball hogs, not allowing Toronto to pick up any momentum.

More from Chowder and Champions

Passing accuracy was the real key for the Revs statistically. New England led the match with an 84 percent passing accuracy and the lead in each category. I do have to humble-brag that I said passing accuracy was going to be key.

The action really started 17 minutes into the game when Lee Nguyen swung a corner to Benjamin Angoua. Not only was it a beautiful play but it was Angoua’s first goal as a Rev.

The goal could have easily been prevented by any attempt at marking by Toronto’s defense. The effort and awareness by the team from the upstairs neighbor was poor at best. This would become a pattern as the game progressed.

After halftime, still 1-0, the Revs continued to push for more. There was nearly a second before halftime, but Kelyn Rowe was offside and his goal was disallowed.

The Revs succeeded again in the 66th minute. Diego Fagundez and Juan Agudelo showed great communication to put the Revs up by two for real.

Finally, adding insult to injury and to pad their goal difference, the Revs sealed it in the 87th. Certainly the strangest goal of the match, great passing gave Fagundez a shot which ricocheted off the crossbar. After bouncing twice on the wood it fell to the head of Agudelo who drilled it home.

That’s a play I could watch all day and a game I’ll watch again and again. Full highlights can be found here.

Looking Forward

Back in my preview article I said that the New England Revolution need to prove that they can tussle with the top teams. Tonight they proved it in style.

Now their record is even at fives across the board and 20 points. They have a definite shot to make headway in the Eastern Conference if they keep up their form. Undefeated in 11 games at home.

Up next for the Revs is a week break before starting the Open Cup against the Rochester Rhinos on June 14th. Their next MLS game will be at 7:30pm on June 17 vs the Chicago Fire.

Next: Boston Red Sox: Rick Porcello’s quality starts need more support

Quick Side Note

I have discovered that whenever I remember to wear my Revs jersey during a game they win. I did for the RSL and Crew matches at home which they won. During the away series, I forgot and we know what happened.

Finally, I remember today and they beat the best team. Please, someone remind me for the rest of the games. Tweet me @ButlerOnTheAir, it’s for the good of the club.

Home/New England Revolution