Revolution 1, Red Bulls 1: Revolution rebound after poor first half

On Saturday, August 17^th, the New England Revolution, along with approximately 500 supporters, traveled to Harrison, New Jersey to face off against division rivals, the New York Red Bulls. The Revs captured a point to extend their unbeaten road streak to seven, the longest in club history.

The Revs were able to withstand New York’s attack during the opening minutes by making saves, executing clutch tackles and standing strong inside the box.

Things changed in the 18^th minute when Marc Rzatkowski delivered a rocket from inches outside the 18-yard box to put the Red Bulls up 1-0.

While New York Red Bull forward Brian White was receiving medical attention, sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena held an impromptu meeting with his players. Beyond providing motivation, the talk brought a change in tactics with the Revs switching away from the five-man back line.

The Revs entered the locker room at halftime looking to get back on track in the second half and attempt to make a comeback. The Revs needed to limit New York’s possession in the attacking half and get more balls down the field to create opportunities in the box.

The first substitution came prior to the start of the second half as Wilfried Zahibo replaced Scott Caldwell.

Revs technical director Curt Onalfo was ejected from the game after questioning the officials.

The Revs would find the equalizer in the 65^th minute when Gustavo Bou put the ball past goalkeeper Luis Robles after a nice pass from Carles Gil.

The result would hold for the rest of the match as Matt Turner, who grew up in Park Ridge, New Jersey, came up with several big saves. This included two made during the dying moments of the game.

Jalil Anibaba and Juan Agudelo also came up big in stoppage time by deflecting shots from the Red Bull offense.

As the final whistle sounded, the Revs walked away with a 1-1 draw. Considering their record at Red Bull Arena, along with their first half performance, the Revs should be thankful to leave New Jersey with one point.

With tonight’s draw, the Revs improve to a 9-9-8 record with a total of 35 points. Pending other results, the Revolution will stay in 6^th place, yet that depends on results from Toronto and Columbus, Montreal and F.C. Dallas, and Chicago and Philadelphia.

The Revolution will return to Gillette Stadium next Saturday, the 24^th, as they host the Chicago Fire. Kickoff is at 7:30 PM.