With all of the new, marquee additions to the United roster this season, most United fans would have been hard pressed to believe that the 35 year old Frederico Higuain would be the talisman for the Black and Red in the MLS is back tournament. However, only a few days after sparking a comeback against Toronto with a second half goal, the Argentinian did it again, with a shrewd lurch onto a Revolution gaffe to get DC level in this match.
Following a relatively listless first half, with New England having a few credible shots on goal that ultimately proved fruitless, it wasn’t until the second half when both teams seemed to warm to the match. New England found the back of the net 6 minutes into the new half, after Adam Buksa was able to head in a deflected Christian Penilla shot past the outstretched fingers of United keeper, Bill Hamid.
The Revolution had a chance at doubling up in the 61st minute, however Hamid was able to deflect away a breakaway shot from Penilla.
It was the 69th minute substitution of Higuain for United’s Edison Flores that seemed to turn the momentum in United’s favor. After being on the pitch for only three minutes, the wily veteran pounced on a truly terrible back pass from New England defender’ Antonio Delamea. The Argentine was able to intercept the pass, dribble past the out of position Revolution keeper, Matt Turner, and slot it into the back of the net.
The equalizing goal gave United a crucial point in the MLS is Back tournament and keeps their hopes of alive of staying in the tournament. They have a crucial fixture upcoming against the Montreal Impact on Tuesday and will need a win to secure their place in the knockout stage. For New England, the draw cost them an opportunity to clinch their spot in the next round and face Toronto on Tuesday morning to close out their group stage.
