Revs 2-2 Toronto FC

Revs Fail to Solve Defensive Problems in Toronto

by Sean Donahue

The New England Revolution headed into Toronto hoping to gain momentum before heading into the play-offs, but instead exposed the same problems holding onto a lead that have hindered them throughout recent games. Despite goals just before and just after halftime, including a shocking goal from midfield from Michael Parkhurst, the Revs couldn't get the win and were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw. Down 2-0, Toronto scored twice to give the home fans something to cheer about as their team's season came to an end.

Michael Parkhurst

A memorable goal from Michael Parkhurst gave the Revs a halftime lead they just about deserved.

Parkhurst gave the Revolution the lead with a stunning goal just seconds before halftime. The Revolution defender won the ball in midfield and unleashed a 60 yard strike that went over the head of 'keeper Kenny Stamatopoulos and into the back of the net to give the Revs the 1-0 lead.

Taylor Twellman doubled the lead three minutes after half time. The Revs all-time leading scorer scored his 16th goal of the season, heading home a Steve Ralston corner kick, to give the Revs the 2-0 lead.

Toronto pulled one back in the 59th minute after a Marvell Wynne shot rebounded off the post to Colin Samuel, who powered it past Reis and into the net.

A late collapse came yet again from the Revs in the 2nd minute of stoppage time. Despite several late defensive substitutions by Steve Nicol to hold onto the lead, the ball fell to Danny Dichio, who turned and chipped a perfect shot from the top of the box over Reis and into the back of the net.

Toronto threatened first in the 8th minute, after Andrea Lombardo fed Samuel through on the left side of the box. 'Keeper Matt Reis charged out and sent Samuel's shot wide of the net for a corner kick. On the ensuing corner, Marvell Wynne volleyed a shot on frame that Reis caught and held onto.

Pat Noonan had the Revs first good opportunity in the 21st minute. The Revolution striker received the ball in space at the top of the box and unleashed a left footed shot that Toronto 'keeper Kenny Stamatopoulos tipped onto the post, before the shot was eventually cleared over the line for a corner.

Both sides exchanged chances after Twellman made it 2-0, but there was a clear shift in momentum after Samuel brought Toronto back into the match. Toronto pushed forward, and with better finishing probably could've won the match as the Revs were kept on the back foot.

The Revs next head to New York for the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Red Bulls, on Saturday, October 27th at 7:30PM.