Revolution 1, Sporting KC 0: First half goal is enough for three points

A first half goal was all the New England Revolution needed to beat one of the league’s best teams.

Sporting KC threatened the Revolution backline early with their first shot coming after just 10 seconds. Yohan Croizet was afforded the opportunity after a couple of quick passes following the kickoff. Matt Turner was there to make the save.

The Revs nearly got one in the 27th minute when Teal Bunbury found Cristian Penilla on the left side of the box. Penilla teed up a shot that sailed over the net.

The Revs had another look in the 30th minute. Chaos in the box led to the ball falling to Bunbury. The striker had a hard time getting it off his foot, however, because he was swarmed by Sporting defenders.

The Revs got their goal just before halftime and it was one that will surely spark some talk. Bunbury looked to be offside when he scored but referee David Gantar got some advice from his assistants. In the end, Gantar ruled that Roger Espinoza touched the ball last, meaning that Bunbury’s goal would stand.

Andrew Farrell made a last-ditch save in the 63rd minute, denying Johnny Russell. After beating Gabriel Somi, Russell took aim at the far post. Although his shot beat Turner, it couldn’t get past Farrell.

The Revs looked to have doubled their lead in the 81st minute through Diego Fagundez but the goal was called back due to a handball by Krisztian Nemeth.

From there, the Revs did the work to keep the score in their favor and to collect full points. The club will now turn their attention to the Montreal Impact, who travel to next Saturday.