Road Woes Continue for Revs

Guevara's Brace Leads Toronto FC to Victory

May 24, 2009

Despite scoring the first goal and having two more prime go-ahead chances, the New England Revolution suffered a 3-1 loss to Toronto FC at BMO Field Saturday afternoon.

Shalrie Joseph gave the Revs a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute with his team-leading third goal of the year, but TFC scored three unanswered goals – including a pair in a two-minute span in the second half – to seal the victory.

Emmanuel Osei

Emmanuel Osei and the Revolution defense struggled again Saturday, conceding three goals in Toronto. (Photo by CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

With the loss, the Revolution fell to 2-3-4 (10 points) on the season and extended its winless streak to six games, dating back to April 17. The victory pushed Toronto FC (4-3-4, 16 pts.) into first place in the Eastern Conference pending the results of tonight’s matches.

The loss was also the Revolution’s first-ever defeat against Toronto since TFC joined MLS in 2007.

Just over 12 minutes in, after Jay Heaps played him into space on the left wing, Chris Tierney settled and sent a looping cross into the heart of the area that found Joseph surrounded by defenders. Joseph stepped free and flicked a header on to the far post, beating Toronto rookie keeper Stefan Frei from 10 yards out for the 1-0 lead.

The advantage was short-lived, however, as Amado Guevara equalized for Toronto less than a minute later. He blasted a short layoff from Danny Dichio past Revolution keeper Matt Reis from 19 yards out at the top of the penalty arc after the ball bounced around between several TFC players.

Joseph nearly re-established the Revs’ lead in the 33rd minute when a low, slicing Steve Ralston pass from the left found him 12 yards out in the box. With the ball at his feet, Joseph stepped ahead of a pair of TFC defenders and was one-on-one with Frei eight yards from goal. However, just as Joseph launched his shot on an open goal, Toronto defender Jim Brennan stepped into the play and deflected the ball out of play.

As the second half opened, Ralston also had a chance to put the Revs back on top in the 46th minute. Ralston got enough space on Brennan as they ran toward goal after he was played into the area, and launched a dipping shot from eight yards, but it was just high of frame.

After two chances to take the lead went for naught for the Revs – and another blast from former TFC draft pick Pat Phelan was turned away by Frei – Toronto took advantage of a play close to being offside to take a 2-1 advantage in the 67th minute. Dichio chipped a ball over the back of the Revs’ defense into the path of an on-running Dwayne De Rosario. The Canada international settled and snuck a shot under Reis on the run for the 2-1 lead.

Minutes later, Toronto extended its lead to two goals, pushing the score to its final 3-1 margin. After a foul and resulting caution on Wells Thompson 26 yards out from goal, Guevara stepped up and served a ball deep into the area. His service bounded over everyone in the box – including a leaping Dichio – and bounced just in front of the goal line and into goal, finding the far upper corner of the goal past a diving Reis, who had come out into traffic.

The Revs return home to Gillette Stadium Saturday, May 30, for the first of back-to-back home games, when the team faces rival D.C. United at 7:30 p.m. TV38 will televise the game live, while the WEEI Radio Network will also have the game.

A special pregame party will be held prior to the game, with Boston-based Lansdowne playing a special set for fans attending. The Rev Girls will also be on hand, with half-price food specials, as well as a selection of domestic and imported beers. For ticket information, visit revolutionsoccer.net or call 1-877-GET-REVS.