Revolution fall 1-0 to first place Toronto FC at Gillette Stadium

Toronto FC snapped the New England Revolution’s four-game unbeaten streak with a 1-0 victory on Wednesday night at Gillette Stadium.

Toronto (10-2-4) captured its fourth straight victory, extended its unbeaten streak to six games and moved into sole possession of first place in the East. Revolution (5-4-7) remain in sixth place and will take New York City FC on Sunday (4:30) at Yankee Stadium.

“We are not measuring ourselves on Toronto, we are measuring ourselves on ourselves,” said Revolution sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena. “We are getting better as a team and we need to continue to grow.”

Toronto misfired on a great scoring opportunity in the sixth minute. Forward Ajo Akinola got behind the Revs’ center back Andrew Farrell and crashed the box in control of the ball with Revs keeper Matt Turner in a vulnerable position. Akinola displayed a look of total disbelief when his shot sailed wide left.

Toronto scored on a spectacular breakout in the 29th minute involving a second foot race between Akinola and Farrell. Akinola pushed Farrell off the ball, broke into the scoring area and kicked it by Turner for his eighth of the season. Arena was irate with referee Nima Saghafi for not calling a foul on Akinola but his protest fell on deaf ears.

“The big play of the game was the non-call on Farrell, that’s a foul,” said Arena.

The Revolution retaliated with several set pieces that failed to generate a shot on TFC keeper Alex Bono, who was making his third start of the season. The game was delayed in the 38th minute when Revs’ midfielder Tommy McNamara got in alternating scuffles with Richie Laryea and Pablo Piatti. McNamara was issued a yellow card.

Akinola was the point man on break in with attackers on either flank in the 48th minute, but he was forcefully taken down by defender Henry Kessler. The rookie center back drew a yellow card but likely saved a goal.

The Revs had a great chance in the 57th minute when Tajon Buchanan probed deep on the right side and made a drop pass to Lee Nguyen at the top of the box. Nguyen’s uncontested kick was controlled by Bono.

The Revs whiffed on their best chance to tie the game in the 68th minute. Nguyen was fouled by midfielder Marky Delgado in the scoring zone and was awarded a penalty kick.

Striker Adam Buksa had practiced penalty kicks on Tuesday and Arena assigned him to handle the spot. Arena would have preferred forward Cristian Penilla to take the spot, but he had just substituted into the game for Nguyen.

“We have no one to blame but ourselves for not converting a penalty kick,” said Arena. “Us not walking off the field tonight without at least a point is a crime.

“Pinilla was going to take the penalty if he was on the field and Adam was the other choice. Penilla was just coming on the field and we thought it would be unusual for a substitute on the field to take the penalty.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/30LvAI9