New England Revolution get burned by the Chicago Fire at home
By Tommy Butler
![Jun 17, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution forward Juan Agudelo (17) and Chicago Fire defender Joao Meira (66) battle to head the ball during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports Jun 17, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution forward Juan Agudelo (17) and Chicago Fire defender Joao Meira (66) battle to head the ball during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c82682e44baec3bbf763a6f41e895b505a160c46cd01ab3dbb50bf53be3d7be8.jpg)
The New England Revolution, even on Gillette Stadium turf couldn’t withstand the heat of the Chicago Fire in their 2-1 loss.
Well, the New England Revolution enjoyed the unbeaten home record while it lasted.
Coming into the match, the Revs hadn’t lost at home in 11 total games straight. They had even beaten the top ranked Toronto FC in Gillette. Despite the ludicrous 24 total shots during the game, accuracy ended up being the downfall.
Out of 24 shots that New England took during the match only five of them forced saves. Ten of the home team’s shots were off target and another nine were blocked by defenders.
It’s hard to blame the attackers too much however, as the majority of the shots came as the clock was winding down. Most of the shots were in desperation of salvaging a point.
Needless to say, it was a disappointing performance from the usually reliable attack. Equally as disappointing is how the game ended after how well the Revs’ defense played.
The Chicago Fire only managed eight shots in 90+ minutes of play with half of them on target. Just goes to show, yet again, that it only takes one good shot to take home three points.
I guess it’s two in this case, but my point still stands.
Goals
The MLS Golden Boot leader, Nemanja Nikolic scored in the 18th minute to put pressure on early. The goal is his 13th goal of the season.
Chicago’s Luis Solignac increased the lead in the 61st minute. The goal came after the Fire’s Michael de Leeuw tapped the ball in the box for his team mate to drive in. The slight tap was enough to break the Revs’ defense and open the hole for Solignac.
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New England’s lone goal was scored by
, his first goal of his MLS career. In the 70th minute a cross went off of Juan Agudelo‘s head and up in the air, taking the goalie out of position. Delamea got to the ball first and tapped it into the net to half the lead.
Despite all of their chances, New England was unable to beat the wall of Fire a second time.
Looking Forward
With the loss, the New England Revolution are now in 8th place in the Eastern Conference. Remember, they must be top six in the conference to make the playoffs.
Now, 16 games into the season each week that they fail to move upwards is more pressure being applied to the team. They need to start winning and make it quick.
It’s going to be really tough to start the much needed win streak this week. Next, the Revs are heading up north to take on Toronto FC once again.
Next: Boston Celtics 2016-17 player report card: Marcus Smart
This time, they’ll be in the United States’ attic.