MLS New England Revolution

Revs finish preseason schedule with a record of 2-1-0

Published on March 14, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


CARY, N.C. - Defender Mark Schulte scored the only goal of the game early in the first half and goalkeepers Eric Reed and Caleb Patterson combined for a shutout as the host Carolina RailHawks (USL-1) defeated the New England Revolution, 1-0, on Saturday night at WakeMed Soccer Park. The match served as the Revolution's final preseason contest before next weekend's 2009 regular season opener against the San Jose Earthquakes.

The game concluded a 12-day training trip in North Carolina for the Revolution, as the club practiced in Greensboro for four days before spending the last week in Cary. With the loss, the Revs finished the preseason with a record of 2-1-0, as they previously defeated USL-1 club Austin Aztex FC (2-0 on Feb. 28) and 2007 NCAA champion Wake Forest University (2-1 on March 7).

Schulte struck for the only goal of the game in the 16th minute as the RailHawks capitalized on a set piece. A free kick from the right wing was driven into the box and Revolution midfielder Shalrie Joseph rose to clear the ball, but he was challenged on his leap and his header popped straight up around the penalty spot. Goalkeeper Matt Reis charged off his line to corral the loose ball, but Schulte reached the ball first and looped a header over Reis and across the line.

After withstanding a flurry of attacks immediately after the goal, New England began controlling possession but struggled to create many serious scoring chances in the opening 45 minutes. The Revs' best chance to equalize before halftime was in the 24th minute when defender Chris Albright's overlapping run down the right wing created a dangerous cross into the box, but Kheli Dube's shot sliced wide of the right post.

The Revs came out pressuring to start the second half and Sainey Nyassi created a couple of early chances, but his 46th minute drive was pushed around the post and his 48th minute effort sailed high.

While New England continued to maintain the bulk of the possession in the second half, the club failed to break through the RailHawks' resolute backline. The Revolution's best chance of the night fell to Mansally in the 86th minute when he was sent free on a breakaway from 40 yards out, but his low shot to the goalkeeper's right was saved well and covered before there was a chance for a rebound.

Revolution defender Darrius Barnes - a third-round selection in the 2009 SuperDraft - kept the game close with two perfectly timed tackles late in the match, as the North Carolina native impressed in front of his hometown crowd.

New England was missing five players for the match because of injuries, as Taylor Twellman (neck pain), Steve Ralston (quad), Mauricio Castro (hamstring), Gabriel Badilla (back) and Zack Simmons (shoulder) were all unavailable. However, a trio of players who missed last week's match against Wake Forest recovered in time to face the RailHawks, as Reis, Kevin Alston and Mike Videira all participated in Saturday night's match.

With their preseason schedule complete, the Revs will open the 2009 regular season at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 21, when they travel to face the San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. The match will be televised locally by TV38 and will be available to radio listeners on the WEEI Radio Network. The Revolution opens its 2009 home slate on Saturday, April 4, when the club hosts FC Dallas.

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