Adam Buksa’s late tally lifts Revolution over Columbus, 1-0

After losing his place in the starting lineup, striker Adam Buksa came from off the bench to score in the 86th minute to lift the Revolution to a 1-0 victory over reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus on Sunday night at Gillette Stadium.

“Someone had to make a play that made a difference in the game and we did,” said Revolution coach Bruce Arena. “I’m happy for Adam, Adam needed that goal and there was an excellent service from Brandon (Bye) and we were pleased with that.”

Bye played a ball along the ground from the right touchline into the penalty box and Buksa redirected it in for his second goal of the season, getting the first touch on it before Columbus defender Jonathan Mensah and goalkeeper Eloy Room.

The Revs improved to 3-1-2 to remain in first place in the Eastern Conference and are 3-0 at home for the first time since 2005. The Crew beat the Revolution 1-0 in the 2020 Eastern Conference title game on Dec. 6. Columbus went on to beat Seattle 3-0 in the Cup final.

“I thought in December we were dominated in the middle of the field and tonight there was a much more competitive battle,” said Arena.

Arena made significant changes to his starting 11 in response to Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Philadelphia. Arena inserted Matt Polster, Teal Bunbury and Gustavo Bou at striker in place of Buksa, Tommy McNamara and Tajon Buchanan. Buksa had started the previous five games.

The Revs got their pass and possession game operating at high efficiency in the opening 10 minutes with playmaker Carles Gil controlling the tempo from the center midfield. Room made the fingertips save of the season in 32nd minute. Bou got control in the penalty area and fed Gil as he crashed the middle of the box. Room got a read on Gil’s intent and tipped the shot off the near post.

Columbus made a few second-half probes that failed to materialize in the penalty area. One of the most dangerous was when midfielder Artur hit the far post with a laser in the 62nd minute.

Artur scored the lone goal in last year’s playoff game. Both Arena and Crew coach Caleb Porter made liberal substitutions after the 65th minute but neither team gained any traction. Buksa entered the game in the 83rd minute for Arnor Traustason.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2SQFsix