Revolution 2, D.C. United 2: Revs’ hot start undone by D.C.

Looking to add another game to their seven-game unbeaten streak, the red-hot New England Revolution took the pitch at Audi Field to face off against conference rival D.C. United. The Revs did collect a point, though they probably wanted more given how the game started.

New England’s starting XI included Matt Turner, Edgar Castillo, Jalil Anibaba, Andrew Farrell, Brandon Bye, Carles Gil, Juan Agudelo, Juan Fernando Caicedo, and Teal Bunbury. The Revs also has a solid bench which saw rookie Tajon Buchanan make his return to the 18 after a lengthy absence. Buchanan was joined by Justin Rennicks, Cristian Penilla, Scott Caldwell, Diego Fagundez, and keeper Brad Knighton.

The Revolution started off on a strong note as they were able to show their offensive dominance while keeping D.C. United’s offense at bay. Bunbury scored his 51st career MLS goal—his 6th goal in the last 7 games—in the 4th minute after collecting Juan Fernando Caicedo’s flick just outside the 18 yard box. Bunbury shook D.C. United’s defense and put the ball past United’s keeper Bill Hamid.

Juan Fernando Caicedo was given his second yellow card of the season in the 23rd minute after committing a slide tackle on a D.C. player. It was the first of eight yellows of the night (five for the Revs, three for D.C.).

Gil scored his 5th goal of the 2019 season to put the Revs up 2-0 in the 32nd minute. Agudelo’s initial shot was blocked by Bill Hamid, but the rebound fell to the Gil.

In the 43^rd minute, D.C United defender Leonardo Jara knocked the Revolution’s lead to one goal as he was able to get the ball past Revs goalkeeper Matt Turner.

The Revs entered the locker room at half with a one goal lead looking for another strong 45 minutes of action in order to keep their unbeaten streak alive.

It didn’t work that way, however, as D.C. controlled the game after the break. Zahibo earned a yellow in the 49th minute for unsporting behavior. Things got worse for Zahibo in the 63^rd minute as he was sent off after receiving a second yellow. With a 2-1 lead, the Revs were down a man for the final twenty-five minutes.

Just when Revs fans thought they would secure their third consecutive road victory, D.C. United’s Quincy Amarikwa netted his first goal of the season and tied the game at two apiece. It was a set piece goal and Amarikwa’s first since Sept. 15, 2018.

When the final whistle blew, the Revs were able to extend their unbeaten streak and push into the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

The Revolution return to Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 when they will host the Vancouver Whitecaps. Game kicks off at 7:00 PM ET.