Revolution vs. Sounders 2013 Halftime Update: Still 0-0, Revs Attack Sputtering

The New England Revolution have not enjoyed much of an advantage in the first half against the Seattle Sounders, but the score remains favorable to them at an even 0-0. The Sounders have created several dangerous chances, but so far the Revs vaunted defense has held strong.

That defense nearly gave up a goal inside three minutes, however. A defensive miscue got Steve Zakuani free from about 20 yards out, but his drive was saved rather easily by Bobby Shuttleworth. Shuttleworth would continue to be active as the match continued.

The Revs had their best chance of the half a minute later. Chris Tierney streaked down the left and played a dangerous low cross toward Kelyn Rowe at the near post, but his attempt to steer it towards goal was deflected out for a corner.

A.J. Soares nearly gifted Seattle a goal in he 14th minute when he let Zakuani take the ball off of him in midfield. The winger played a diagonal ball in the box for Lamar Neagle, but some incredible recovery speed by Jose Goncalves allowed the defender to nick the ball away from Neagle's foot just as he attempted a shot from inside a dozen yards.

Osvaldo Alonso nearly took someone's head off from the ensuing corner. After it was cleared to him, he controlled with the chest, let it bounce, and unleashed a hellish volley that Shuttleworth barely got a fingertip to, putting it just over the bar and into the stanchion.

Lee Nguyen took the Revs' only shot of the half in the 35th minute, but the low drive from over 25 yards out was well wide. Bobby Shuttleworth saved a Zakuani shot with his leg in the 43rd minute after yet another defensive mistake opened up the chance.

Through the entire half, the passing from the Revs has been disjointed, and not much positive can be drawn from the performance. As noted above, they took just one shot (compared to Seattle's eight) and surrendered 65% of the possession.