Revolution 2, Rapids 1: Revs win at home on deflected goal

The New England Revolution got their first win of the Brad Friedel era when they beat the Colorado Rapids 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.

The Revs’ first substitution came in the 14th minute after Gabriel Somi and Jack McBean knocked heads. McBean earned a yellow card as Chris Tierney entered to make his 2018 debut.

Matt Turner kept zeroes on the scoreboard with a reactionary save in the 27th minute. Tommy Smyth tried to beat the netminder with a header but was unsuccessful.

In the 37th minute, Tierney nearly scored an olimpico if not for Tim Howard. The rebound was hit over the crossbar.

It didn’t take long after the break for the Revs to pull ahead as Diego Fagundez scored in the 48th minute. Cristian Penilla was credited with the assist.

The Rapids had an opportunity to bring the game back to level terms after Jalil Anibaba cleaned out McBean in the box. Jack Price stepped up to take the kick but Turner was up to the task. Price had another go but his shot sailed over the empty net.

The Rapids made amends in the 66th minute when rookie substitute Niki Jackson got on the end of a Johan Blomberg cross. Jackson replaced McBean less than a minute earlier.

The Revs found a game-winner in the 93rd minute when Chris Tierney hit a free kick that deflected off a Rapids defender before settling into the back of the net. Moments later, the final whistle blew.

The Revs will now turn their focus to New York City FC, who will visit on Mar. 24.