Striking gold: four “lucky” Revolution goals worth watching again

Today, millions of Americans will don “Kiss me, I’m Irish” sweatshirts and tiny, green leprechaun hats in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day 2017.

But the people of Boston don't need sweatshirts or hats to claim Irish ancestry. More than 22 percent of Bostonians have Irish roots, a higher percentage than any major city in the U.S. And given the success of New England sports teams over the past decade-and-a-half, Bostonians have plenty of reason to feel a little bit lucky.

While the Revolution haven’t endured quite the same success as its fellow Boston teams, the club has scored its share of “lucky” goals.

Here are a few worth watching as part of your St. Patrick’s Day celebration:

Diego Fagundez vs. New York Red Bulls, April 2016

As the Revolution attack pushed forward in the second half against the Red Bulls, New York defender Kemar Lawrence went down with an injury. The Revs never flinched, with Scott Caldwell playing a through ball to Juan Agudelo, who slotted a cross to a wide open Diego Fagundez. The Revolution youngster put away the eventual game winner.

Should referee Mark Geiger have stopped the run of play in light of Lawrence’s injury? Red Bulls gaffer Jesse Marsch thought so. Perhaps the Revs got a bit lucky against their I-95 rivals.

Own Goal vs. Portland Timbers, April 2016

To right the ship during a sluggish start to the 2016 season, the Revolution needed a late equalizer against the visiting Timbers. In the 89th minute, Kelyn Rowe whipped a desperation cross onto the far post, which Je-Vaughn Watson saved from going over the end line by putting a pass in front of an onrushing Femi Hollinger-Janzen. In the midst of a scramble in front of goal, Femi forced an own goal, delivering (with a little bit of luck) the equalizer the Revs needed.

Lee Nguyen vs. Orlando City SC, April 2016

In the first minute of this this Revolution-Orlando City matchup, Lions forward Julio Baptista drew a penalty kick that didn’t sit well with the Revolution bench. Ninety-three minutes later, Lee Nguyen drew a penalty that erased all memories of his club’s first-minute gaff. From just outside the box, Nguyen attempted to whip a ball onto the far post, but Orlando City midfielder Servando Carrasco deflected the pass with his chest. Nguyen immediately clamored for a handball. The official obliged, gifting the Revs a 94th-minute equalizer from the spot.

Own Goal vs. Sporting Kansas City, October 2016

In the heart of a 1-1 deadlock with Sporting Kansas City, Lee Nguyen collected a broken cross and rocketed a shot on goal. His hit ricocheted off the post and, almost comically, struck Sporting defender Keven Ellis in the leg, which redirected the shot into the back of the net. We’ll call it one of those, “right place, right time” goals.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone.

What lucky goals did we miss? Share them below.