Revolution 1, Fire 2: Playoff hopes dim as the Revs lose to the Fire

The New England Revolution’s quest to earn a playoff spot became much more difficult on Sunday, as the team lost 2-1 to the Chicago Fire.

Chicago grabbed the game’s opening goal after just nine minutes. Brandon Vincent was the catalyst, as he combined with David Accam before hitting a cross from the left flank. An unmarked Michael de Leeuw made good on the opportunity to give the home side the lead.

The goal was devastating to the Revs, as they have only won once this season after conceding first. Brad Knighton did the best he could to keep the game within reach by making a pair of stellar saves in the 18th and 41st minutes.

Diego Fagundez repaid the netminder by scoring an equalizer just before halftime. Fagundez’s fifth goal of the season came after the Fire failed to clear the ball in their defensive third.

The Revs got more positive news in the 54th minute when referee Baldomero Toledo issued a red card to Luis Solignac for an off-the-ball incident.

In the 62nd minute, the away team almost took advantage of being up a man, but Juan Agudelo hit the crossbar with his cross-range shot. Darrius Barnes was there for the follow-up, but his header was straight at Sean Johnson.

The game returned to level terms in the 73rd minute when Toledo sent Brad Knighton to the locker room early. The card was given after the goalkeeper was ruled to have fouled a sneaky Accam.

Things went from bad to worse for the Revs in the 80th minute when Accam put one past substitute goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth. The speedy attacker got behind the opposing back line before scoring his ninth of the season.

The final moments of the game were quiet, as the Revs were forced to accept a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the last-paced Chicago Fire. The Revs' attention will now turn to the Montreal Impact, who come to town next weekend. Not only do the Revs need a win, but they need a Philadelphia Union loss, while also making up a 12-goal deficit.