Revolution 2, D.C. United 2: Revs end busy week with two points

The New England Revolution ended their busy week with a 2-2 draw with D.C. United on Saturday night. The result left the Revs with two points in three games.

As has become the norm, the Revs looked good in the early going, using the press to keep their opponent unsettled. The strategy paid dividends in the 5th minute when Lee Nguyen beat Bill Hamid to give the home side the lead. It was a goal unlike others we’ve seen before, as Nguyen headed in a Kei Kamara cross.

D.C. were unlucky in their search for an equalizer as Homegrown product Ian Harkes hit the post with a long range shot in the 14th minute. The ball remained loose in the box but was ultimately put down for a free kick after referee Jose Carlos Rivero ruled that Sebastian Le Toux had committed a dangerous play with his bike attempt.

The action soon returned to the opposite side of the field where the Revs almost doubled their lead. This time Nguyen was the instigator, as he sent his corner kick towards Kamara. The striker’s header looked destined for goal if not for the big palm of Hamid.

The game drew level in the 25th minute when Jared Jeffrey took a one-time shot from just inside the box. The opportunity presented itself when the Revs failed to clear a Marcelo Sarvas cross.

The away team grabbed the lead in the 28th minute when Lloyd Sam put Le Toux in on goal. Cody Cropper rushed off his line to neutralize the threat, only to be chipped by the onrushing attacker.

Cropper made amends in the 38th minute with back-to-back saves. First, the netminder pushed away Sean Franklin’s attempt before making a big stop on Kofi Opare.

The game returned to even terms in the 48th minute. Kelyn Rowe’s corner sailed to the opposite side only to be hit back into the mixer by Antonio Delamea. Franklin, who was tussling with Agudelo, pushed the ball over the line for an own goal.

Both teams had their opportunities to go ahead but nothing materialized. First, Diego Fagundez hit a powerful low shot that was stopped by Hamid. Moments later, D.C. United had a chance that bounced off the crossbar. Substitute Teal Bunbury looked primed to play hero in the 81st minute but he struggled to get his shot in on frame.

The Revs now return to the road after a two-game home stand, as they will travel to Seattle for a match next Saturday. Kickoff is set for 10 pm ET.