MLS New England Revolution

Revs Fall 1-0 in Desert Diamond Cup Opener

Published on February 19, 2015 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


TUCSON, Ariz. - The New England Revolution suffered a 1-0 loss to Real Salt Lake in their opening game of the 2015 Desert Diamond Cup on Wednesday night at the Kino Sports Complex. Devon Sandoval scored the game's only goal in the sixth minute, converting a penalty kick for RSL. With the loss, the Revs are now 1-2-0 on the preseason.

The Revs had beaten Real Salt Lake once already in the preseason, taking a 1-0 lead inside the opening 10 minutes en route to a 2-1 win back on January 31. But this time, it was Salt Lake that would pull in front early on. A long RSL throw in was headed to the top of the box by the Revolution defense, but Salt Lake midfielder John Stertzer was the first to react to the ball, taking one touch before being taken down by Revolution rookie Marco Fenelus for a penalty kick. Sandoval stepped up to take the spot kick and dispatched it low to the right, past the dive of Bobby Shuttleworth, making the score 1-0 for RSL.

Much of the remainder of the first half was played in the midfield with the Revs having the better of the chances. Trialist Timi Mulgrew, who had an assist in the first meeting of the preseason against RSL, had a pair of chances while Diego Fagundez, who was seeing his first action since returning from international duty with the Uruguay U-20s, saw his goal-bound effort tipped over the bar by Real goalkeeper Jeff Attinella.

After the break, the Revs brought on a new back four as well as goalkeeper Brad Knighton and it was one of those defenders that nearly provided an equalizer for New England. After Mulgrew had been pulled down 35 yards from goal on the right flank, Chris Tierney whipped an inswinging free kick to the near post, which was headed just wide by Mulgrew.

Real Salt Lake made wholesale changes in the 60th minute while the Revs brought on five players of their own, to give both sides a completely new look for the final 30 minutes. At one end of the field, Knighton saved a shot from Luis Gil and saw chances from Kyle Beckerman and Alvaro Saborio go just high and wide respectively, while Charlie Davies saw an effort saved by Attinella following a quick Revolution counterattack, keeping the score 1-0 in favor of RSL.

New England had its best chance to equalize in the game's final seconds as a long Kevin Alston throw found Davies at the top of the box. He flicked the ball to the feet of Teal Bunbury whose close range shot was tipped over the bar, sealing the victory for Salt Lake.

New England will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 21 when the club takes on the Colorado Rapids in the second of four games at the Desert Diamond Cup. That game, which will be streamed live on revolutionsoccer.net will be played on the Kino North Stadium and kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

For up-to-the-minute information on the Revolution, visit the team's official website at revolutionsoccer.net, or join the conversation and interact with fans on any of the team's social platforms.

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 19, 2015


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