Revolution 3, Toronto 2: Welcome to the Penilla Show

The New England Revolution scored early and often as they downed Toronto FC 3-1 on Saturday night.

Cristian Penilla got his first of the night in the fourth minute when he beat Alex Bono on a fast break. Scott Caldwell was huge on the goal, as he intercepted a pass before finding Teal Bunbury. Bunbury moved it to Penilla, whose pace was too much for the Toronto backline.

Penilla got a second in the seventh minute in a play that highlighted the benefits of the high press. When Diego Fagundez challenged Bono, the goalkeeper opted to play a central pass instead of going long. Ager Aketxe struggled in the moment, ultimately giving the ball away to Penilla. The Ecuadorian made easy work of the rest.

The Revs had several chances to grab a third during the first half, but Bunbury, Fagundez, and Penilla missed their chances.

The home team made amends soon after the break with Bunbury scoring his fifth of the season in the 46th minute. Farrell collected the assist, as he played a great ball into space that disrupted Toronto’s defense.

TFC got one back in the 55th minute when Antonio Delamea scored an own goal. The defender, who hadn’t started since the season opener, had a hard time dealing with a Jay Chapman square ball.

Both teams looked unsatisfied with the scoreline, with TFC introducing Sebastian Giovinco, Chris Mavinga, and Víctor Vázquez. The visitors got their second when Tierney committed a foul in the box. Giovinco beat Matt Turner, who guessed right, but was involved in some shenanigans in the aftermath. When Wilfred Zahibo tried to swat the ball out of Giovinco’s hands, the Italian put his hand in his face. This prompted a red card.

The late drama was all for naught, as the Revs collected full points. The club will welcome Columbus Crew SC next week.