Revolution 1, Rapids 3: Desert Diamond Cup struggles continue for the Revs

The New England Revolution’s Desert Diamond Cup woes continued on Saturday when they were downed 3-1 by the Colorado Rapids.

The Revs opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Juan Agudelo poked home a loose ball. The moment presented itself after the Rapids failed to deal with a Chris Tierney corner kick. Agudelo, who was sporting a face mask after undergoing minor face surgery, now has one goal in as many preseason games.

Kei Kamara could’ve doubled the lead in the 30th minute but he slipped while lining up his shot.

The missed opportunity would hurt the Revolution, as the Rapids found their form during the dying minutes of the first half.

Caleb Calvert brought the game level in the 44th minute when he finished a cross sent in by substitute Tony Cascio. Two minutes later, the Rapids gained the lead via a Dominique Badji strike. The goal had an air of familiarity to it as Cascio was once again the instigator.

The halftime speech seemed to motivate the Revs, who had a couple of good looks after the break.

The first came from Diego Fagundez, who played a quick one-to with Nguyen before having his shot denied by MacMath. Soon after, Rowe found himself behind the backline, though his service didn’t connect with a teammate.

Once again, the Revs would rue their missed chances, as the Rapids soon solidified their lead. Calvert grabbed his second of the match when he fought through the Revolution defense and put a shot past Brad Knighton in the 60th minute.

Knighton was replaced by Cody Cropper in the 61st minute. The incoming keeper was tested often, but proved to be up to the task.

Wholesale changes for the Revs came in the 73rd minute but did little to change the flow. The game ultimately ended 3-1, giving the Revs their second loss of the Desert Diamond Cup.

The Revolution will hope for a better result on Wednesday when they face Sporting KC. Kickoff for that match is set for 1 pm EST.