The New England Revolution finally got back to winning ways on Saturday evening against the Colorado Rapids at Gillette stadium.
Despite coming into the weekend out of a playoff spot and on a six-game losing streak, the Revolution corrected their form and managed to beat the Rapids 2-0 behind goals from Juan Agudelo and Chris Tierney.
Revolution coach Jay heaps returned to the 4-4-2 formation for the third consecutive game.
But with defender Je-Vaughn Watson (Jamaica) and forward Kei Kamara (Sierra Leon) away on international duty, London Woodberry had to pair with Jose Goncalves in central defense while Agudelo started up top alongside Lee Nguyen.
The fill-ins performed well as the Revolution scored twice for the first time since July 9 and recorded a clean sheet for the first time since July 23.
Agudelo scored first early in the 12th minute, his strike from inside the box off a feed by Gershon Koffie going in off the far post.
Shortly before halftime, Colorado goalkeeper Zac MacMath dragged down Kelyn Rowe, who was in alone on goal, in the box, prompting the referee to award a penalty to New England.
But Nguyen failed to convert the ensuing spot kick, his low shot coming off the right post.
It was the first penalty kick miss of Nguyen’s career.
That said, the Revolution managed to maintain their edge and eventually doubled their lead in the 49th minute.
The Revs’ second goal came from Tierney, who banked a hard, curling shot into the back of the net after getting the ball on a break from a combination play between Rowe and Diego Fagundez.
Brad Knighton, who started in goal for New England for the third consecutive game, performed well and made two key saves, one in each half.
The Revolution’s playoff hopes have been slightly revived thanks to their performance against the Rapids.
They still remain eight in the Eastern Conference, two points outside the sixth and final playoff spot.
