Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune
The future looks bright for Jay Heaps new and improved Revolution, opening up their season with a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park Saturday night. Although the match was not the smoothest of play between the two eastern rivals, an early three points puts a smile to all fans anticipating the new soccer era bestowing upon New England. The Revs locked up the win with their stable defense and emerging go-to striker, Jerry Bengtson.
Just The Beggining For Jerry
Jerry Bengtson owned the night’s lone goal, heading in a clever chip shot by Kelyn Rowe over all of the Fire’s defenders in the 62nd minute. Bengtson looked to be in ‘national team’ form, winning headers up the field and finishing goal opportunities (even when called offside). Unable to find his stride last season, the Honduran striker looked comfortable on the pitch. With fellow teammate Saer Sene out on injury for the next month or so, expect Jerry to be the striker New England relies on.
Andrew Farrell MLS Ready
Number one MLS SuperDraft pick Andrew Farrell strutted his soccer talents, showing off his speed, vision, and superb positioning in the right back position. A few mistakes such as holding on to the ball a bit long were expected, but the club must be enthusiastic of just how involved and skillful Farrell truly was on the field. The more games under his belt this season, the more Andrew will look like the Revolution’s starting back for years to come.
Starting Lineup Still Puzzling?
New England’s starting lineup looked choppy the first half, with Juan Toja looking rather fatigued up top and Donnie Smith failing to play with the intelligence Rowe brought in the second half. Kalifa Cisse and Jose Goncalves proved relatively stable in their MLS debut, aspiring to add to a strong center-back line New England lacked a year ago. The goalkeeper question however remains up in the air. Matt Reis received the nod on Saturday, and performed excellent all night including an incredible full body extension save in the first half. Bobby Shuttleworth will most likely continue to ease into the starting role, still learning from the 37-year-old Reis before his MLS departure.
The Revs will next head to the city of brotherly love as they take on the always tough Philadelphia Union next Saturday at 5 pm ET.
Matt Bloom
The Foxboro Fort | Revolution Soccer Blog 