D.C. United vs. New England Revolution – Playoff Game Recap
The first decision of the playoffs has been made last night, with two veteran Major League Soccer Playoff contenders from the MLS East facing off in the first round.
Hosts Washington D.C. will now move on to the MLS Eastern Conference semifinals, while their opponents New England Revolution have been thrown out of the playoff race.
Visitors New England Revolution were actually the ones that scored the opener to the match, and what an amazing opener that was.
Rev’s Kevin Alston sent a shot across from the left to Juan Agudelo, whom was positioned with his back to goal inside D.C’s box. The Columbian then took a scissor kick from the left, and with tremendous skill and precision blasted it into the right corner of D.C. keeper Bill Hamid’s goal (15’).
D.C. United 0 – 1 New England Revolution
New England was creating pressure throughout the first half, with the hosts defending well. Although D.C. also created some chances, they only managed to equalize at the end of the first half, with Fabian Espindola taking a free kick from the outside left of New England’s box. Chris Pontius headed the ball in to give D.C. the equalizer just before half time (44’).
D.C. United 1 – 1 New England Revolution
D.C. had a chance to assume the lead in the middle of the second half, where New England’s midfielder Scott Caldwell conceded a handball in the Revs’ box.
United’s forward Chris Rolfe took the penalty shot, but was declined by New England’s keeper Bobby Shuttleworth who guessed right and took a dive to the left (74’).
Rolfe redeemed himself shortly thereafter, when received a great back-heal pass from Nick DeLeon from the left end, scoring from the center of the goal line (83’).
D.C. United 2 – 1 New England Revolution
The night ended with a controversy, with New England’s Jermaine Jones making a play in United’s box after stoppage time. The ball apparently touched the arm of United’s defender Sean Franklin inside the box.
Despite Jones’s protests, a penalty was not awarded. When going to protest, Jones acted aggressively and made contact with the ref, earning a second yellow card for the night and being sent off in stoppage time (90’+2’).
