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Shalrie Joseph (shown above in action against Houston last week) scored the equalizer in Saturday's 1-1 draw in Chicago. (Photo by CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com) |
The team switched to a 4-4-2 formation with Kevin Alston returning to the starting line-up, Ghanaian Emmanuel Osei making his debut at center back, Chris Tierney starting at left mid, Wells Thompson moving to the right, Shalrie Joseph starting at forward with Kheli Dube, and Pat Phelan taking his place in midfield.
The moves paid dividends as the Revs looked more dangerous heading forward and did a better job keeping possession. Though Chicago took a first half lead through Wilman Conde, the Revs battled back and Joseph scored the equalizer early in the second half to earn a 1-1 draw.
The first good chance of the match came in the 18th minute, when Chicago’s Wilman Conde got above the defense to head a Cuauhtemoc Blanco corner on frame. Conde’s header was saved by a well positioned Matt Reis.
Reis came up big in the 36th minute, when Brian McBride got the ball in the box and tried to put a shot on frame. His shot was deflected to Chris Rolfe, who hammered a shot on frame, but Reis ran out and tipped the ball wide.
On the ensuing corner, however, Chicago took the lead. Conde managed to chest down a Blanco corner kick and hammered a shot into the far corner to give the Fire a 1-0 advantage.
Joseph equalized for the Revs in the 49th minute. The Grenadan international sent the ball across the field to Thompson, who played it back to an onrushing Jeff Larentowicz. Larentowicz one-timed a shot, but it deflected off a defender and fell right to Joseph. The unmarked Joseph hammered it past Fire keeper Jon Busch and inside the near post to end the Revs’ scoreless streak at 268 minutes and tie the game at 1-1.
Blanco nearly put the Fire back ahead in the 70th minute, when he got the ball about 30 yards out from Patrick Nyarko. Blanco unleashed a powerful low shot to the far corner that beat Reis, but rolled just wide of the post.
Reis kept the game tied when McBride rose above the defense to head a cross on frame to the far post. Reis managed to keep the ball out with an impressive diving save.
Chicago nearly took the lead in the last seconds of the game when Reis was again called upon to make a difficult save. This time Nyarko powered a header to the far post, but Reis was able to dive and get just enough on it to tip it wide and preserve the draw.
The Revs return home to face the Colorado Rapids on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
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