Quakes 1, Revs 0: Heaps Suffers First Coaching Defeat On The Road To Start 2012 Season

A Chris Wondolowski goal in the 15th minute was the difference between the two sides tonight as the new Heaps-era Revolution squad suffered their first defeat of 2012.

The match saw opportunities for both teams, but the away side was not able to capitalize on any. The New England boys started off the game in good form with decent runs being made by forwards Fernando Cardenas and Blake Brettschneider behind smart passes from the Revolution's heralded midfield. But, it was the Earthquakes who made the most of a Revolution mishap to take the only goal of the match.

The first real opportunity for the Revs came in the 32nd minute when A.J. Soares got his head behind a Benny Feilhaber corner kick that went just about a foot wide of goal. Soares was also the subject of much concern a bit later in the half when he seemed to have taken a bit of a knock from a collision with Stephen Lenhart but which was ultimately not a big deal and Soares came right back into the match.

At halftime the Revs were surely happy to walk into the locker room down only one goal. The first half was chock-full of battles lost in the midfield and the second half offered plenty for the Revs to improve on.

The second half began without any changes but after a couple close opportunities the Revs started the substitutions by inserting rookie Tyler Polak at left back in place of A.J. Soares. Polak made not much of an impact but the Revs, at this point, were looking to attack not hang back.

In the 69th minute Lee Nguyen came in for Fernando Cardenas and instantly made an impact on the overall play for the Revs. The former US International made his case for the starting XI next week with a brilliant display of footwork and vision within the attacking third that nearly set up the Revs shortly after coming into the game but the opportunity was cleared by the San Jose defense.

Ryan Guy, also a late substitution, tried to make a name for himself as well, but the result of the match was already in control of the Quakes as 90 minutes ticked down to its end. Benny Feilhaber came closest to an equalizing goal in extra time, but the shot went wide left and the Revs heard the final whistle without an answer to Wondo's 15th minute strike.

Next up for the rebuilding Revs is yet another away match against 2011 Eastern Conference winners Sporting Kansas City. And surely coach Heaps will have plenty of decisions to make leading up to next weekend.