Revolution 4, Red Bulls 3: Revs kickoff preseason with a win

The New England Revolution collected their first win of 2018 by besting the New York Red Bulls 4-3.

New head coach Brad Friedel started a mix of new and old faces in a formation that team staff writer Jeff Lemieux called “something of a 4-4-1-1 as the Revs defend” and “more of a 4-2-3-1” when in the attack.

The Red Bulls grabbed a quick two-goal lead as Alex Muyl scored in the 11th minute before Bradley Wright-Phillips hit a 20-yard free kick past goalkeeper Matt Turner in the 13th.

The Revs got their first of the night through Brian Wright in the 32nd minute. The sophomore forward collected a Scott Caldwell through ball, beat a defender, and calmly finished the play.

Seven minutes later, Cristian Penilla hit an absolute beauty to bring the game back to level terms. The Ecuadorian showed off some of his footwork before finding the top right corner.

The Revs pulled ahead in the 61st minute when Kelyn Rowe converted a penalty. The opportunity was awarded after Teal Bunbury was chopped down in the box.

Femi Hollinger-Janzen got on the score sheet in the 70th minute to give the Revs a 4-2 lead. This held for six minutes until Carlos Rivas scored off of a set piece.

The game ended 4-3 after 90 minutes, giving the Revs their first win under Friedel.