:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49724585/usa-today-9313958.0.jpg)
The New England Revolution will enter the Copa America break on a win after defeating the Seattle Sounders 2-1 on Saturday night. Aaron Kovar's early strike was negated by Lee Nguyen's penalty and Femi Hollinger-Janzen's long-range shot to give the home side three points.
It didn't take long for the visitors to grab a lead as Kovar scored in the 7th minute. Kovar found the ball on his foot after Bobby Shuttleworth failed to clear a Joevin Jones cross. The Seattle Homegrown then beat Scott Caldwell before shooting into the side-netting.
The Revs caught a break in the 23rd minute when referee Fotis Bazakos ruled that Erik Friberg had committed a handling offense in the box. Although it appeared that the ball actually hit Friberg's midsection, the Revolution were awarded a penalty kick, which was buried by Lee Nguyen.
The goal energized the Revolution, who threatened goalkeeper Stefan Frei in the 28th minute. First, Chris Tierney forced a save from a tight angle. Seconds later, Kelyn Rowe hit a shot that missed its mark.
The Sounders were pressed to make a first-half swap after Brad Evans took a shot to the head. The center back was replaced by debuting rookie Tony Alfaro.
After a quiet start to the second half, the Revs had a couple of near-chances that didn't fully materialize. In the 63rd minute, Kei Kamara played a square ball across the goalmouth that was just out of reach for Diego Fagundez. Three minutes later, Kamara flicked a Shuttleworth long ball to substitute Teal Bunbury, whose shot went wide.
Femi Hollinger-Janzen broke the deadlock in the 80th minute when his low shot beat Frei. It was Hollinger-Janzen's second tally of the year, which was assisted by Nguyen.
Both teams had attacking opportunities during the final ten minutes. The Sounders best bid came in the 84th minute, but Jordan Morris couldn't redirect a cross into the goal. Two minutes later, Bunbury took a shot that rattled the crossbar. Nguyen added to the excitement in the 89th minute but his shot was stopped by Frei.
The game ultimately ended 2-1 in favor of the Revolution. The club will resume regular-season play on June 18 when they travel to face the Vancouver Whitecaps.