PHI 2, NE 0: Revs Knocked out of the Open Cup

For the second straight year, the New England Revolution were ousted in the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup. Last year the Revs lost to eventual champions DC United while the Philadelphia Union were the culprits this year. Goals from Conor Casey and Sebastien Le Toux were enough to propel the Union past the Revs and into the tournament semifinals.

The Union came out with a strong lineup that featured established starters like Maurice Edu, Amobi Okugo and Cristian Maidana. The Revs’ lineup was a bit more blended as regulars like Jose Goncalves and Lee Nguyen played alongside reserves like Stephen McCarthy and Scott Caldwell.

Casey gave the home side the lead in the ninth minute with Sheanon Williams earning the assist. Conceding the early goal was a bad omen as the Revs have gone 1-6-1 in league action when their opponent scores first. Their lone come-from-behind victory came against Toronto FC.

"It takes a lot out of us," Teal Bunbury told media of conceding an early goal. "I think it’s a mindset that we all have to get on the same page from the first whistle because it’s not a light switch that you can just turn on and expect to get back into the game once you’re down a goal or two goals."

The deficit grew in the 47^th minute when Le Toux found the back of the net. The Frenchman caused the Revolution headaches during their last meeting as he scored two goals to help the Union win 3-1. Allowing a goal immediately after the break was less than ideal.

"It happens, but it’s definitely not the way we wanted to start the second half," Bunbury said. "I guess that’s part of the game and we have to deal with that and not put ourselves in positions where we’re down and are in situations like that. Looking forward we just have to be sharper. We have to be mentally tougher, and I think we’re going to do that."

Steve Neumann called the Revolution’s play after the second goal "some of our best of the game." Unfortunately, both teams were forced to vacate the field as severe thunderstorms loomed overhead. After a 64 minute break, the game resumed.

The Revs would return to the field with a new player as Kelyn Rowe replaced Andy Dorman. Rowe was the perfect substitute as he has collected six goals and one assist in Open Cup play, while also amassing two goals and three assists against the Union over the course of his career.

Unfortunately for the Revs, Rowe would not be able to work his magic as the game would end 2-0, officially knocking them out of the 2014 edition of the US Open Cup.

The Revolution will have a quick turnaround as they welcome the Chicago Fire on Saturday. The Fire sit ninth in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 2-10-4. Furthermore, the team is winless in their last six outings. The Revs look forward to returning home and getting back on track.

"Chicago, at home, is a pretty good opportunity for us to get three points, and kind of find ourselves again," Neumann said. "We’re looking forward to the stretch and looking forward to getting back on track. We have the talent to do it; we just have to put the pieces together."