Revolution 2, Timbers 2: Late PK gives Revs an important road point

Fans across New England defied the Sandman to watch the Revs traveled to Providence Park to take on the Portland Timbers. They were rewarded with a late comeback, as the New England Revolution grabbed a crucial road point.

The Revs were coming off a 0-0 draw against Real Salt Lake, while Portland was looking to score a goal after being shut out in their previous three matches at Providence Park.

Both teams were unable to make a dent on the scoreboard in the first half. Juan Fernando Caicedo was able to muscle his way into the box in the 5^th minute but wasn’t able to capitalize. Diego Valeri had a few good shots and set ups that were crushed by the Revs’ back line.

The second half brought more action, as each team scored two goals.

Jeremy Ebobisse notched the first goal of the game in the 49^th minute after an accurate cross into the box from Jorge Villafana.

New England’s first substitution came in the 64^th minute when Cristian Penilla came on and replace Juan Agudelo. Five minutes later, Teal Bunbury came on for J. Caicedo.

New England came close to equalizing in the 78^th minute as Gustavo Bou directed a header towards goal. Goalkeeper Steve Clark was up to the task.

The Revs’ final substitution came in the 79^th minute when Wilfried Zahibo replaced Diego Fagundez.

Scott Caldwell would go on to send an absolute rocket towards net in the 80^th minute but had it was pushed aside at the last moment by Steve Clark.

Providence Park erupted after what many considered the final blow for the Revs. Ebobisse scored a freak goal when the ball deflected off his leg and past keeper Knighton.

Bruce Arena and the Revs never gave up, however, as Gustavo Bou knocked the lead to one when he clipped the ball past Clark.

The Revs were active again in the 89th minute via Bunbury. The speedy attacker flicked a shot to the lower left corner but Clark got there to keep his team in the lead.

In the final moments of stoppage time, lady luck paid a visit to Providence Park to give the Revs what they needed. Wilfried Zahibo was knocked from behind while trying to make a play on the ball. After a few moments of review, the Revs were awarded a penalty kick. The Spaniard, Carles Gil stepped up to the spot to collect his 10th goal of the season and bring the game to 2-2.

After a hard 90-plus minutes of action, the Revs walked away with one point. This puts them in the driver’s seat to make their first playoff appearance since 2015. They will have the opportunity to clinch a spot on Sunday when they host first seed in the Eastern Conference, NYCFC. That game kicks off at 5:00 PM.