Andrew Farrell made an error that cost the Revolution a playoff berth. Photo/Italo Alexander Photography
The New England Revolution appeared to be on their way to a playoff berth for the third straight season, but a second half collapse away at the Chicago Fire on Saturday night has further stalled their post-season plans.
The Revolution came into Chicago needing either a victory or an Orlando City SC loss to the Montreal Impact to get them into the playoffs. And even though Orlando beat Montreal, the Revolution appeared to be on their way, Juan Agudelo’s 7th goal of the season putting the Revolution up 1-0 in the 31st minute.
But Chicago, who have already been eliminated from the playoffs and sit in last place in the Eastern Conference, happily played spoiler to their longtime rival.
The Revolution lost their lead in the span of eight minutes as Chicago’s David Accam and Harry Shipp scored in the 51st and 59th minutes, respectively, while Gilberto converted the Fire’s third goal late in the second half.
Revolution have been on the cusp of clinching the playoffs for the last three weeks. They haven’t won in three games—since Sept. 16—and have a bye week coming up. Chicago, meanwhile, snapped a five-game losing streak.
The Revolution appeared to be on the right track from the opening whistle, though. Jermaine Jones belted a long range blast off Jon Busch’s fingertips in just the second minute of the game, suggesting that they would be on Chicago’s end of the field for most of the contest.
But Chicago settled down and started to compete in midfield. Before long, they started playing like the better team, too.
Bobby Shuttleworth had busy night in goal, making five saves. Without his performance, the 3-1 loss could have been worse.
Shuttleworth dove left to parry away Accam’s first shot, a line drive from just inside the penalty area (20th), then blocked a point-blank effort by Gilberto (29th). Gilberto hit the crossbar seconds later, and then looped a chip wide of the far post shortly after that.
When Agudelo headed in Chris Tierney’s cross from the left flank in the 31st minute, the Revolution was playing very much on the back foot.
Chicago didn’t take too long to re-assert themselves after halftime, though. Shuttleworth made another diving save on Accam (50th minute), but couldn’t prevent him from poking through Chicago’s eventually equalizer seconds later.
Then, Andrew Farrell made a blunder that changed the tempo of the entire game.
He misjudged the trajectory of a bouncing ball, slipping as Shipp went one-on-one with Shuttleworth in the 59th minute. Farrell got back to his feet—but only after Shipp sent the ball through Shuttleworth’s legs and into the back of the net to make it 2-1.
The Revolution made an effort to tie the game, sending players forward and bringing on attacking players like Teal Bunbury, Daigo Kobayashi and Charlie Davies.
Their two best chances, though, came from Agudelo and Kelyn Rowe. First, Rowe played Agudelo in the center of the box, Busch sprawling right to save what appeared to be an easy putaway in the 67th. Then, in the 68th, Busch went left to knock away Rowe’s volley.
Gilberto hit the woodwork seconds later, but nestled Chicago’s third goal past Shuttleworth in the 86th minute following the remnants of a poorly-defended corner kick.
The Revolution have two games left on the season—first at home against Montreal, then on the road at NYCFC.
Both matches present stiff challenges, even though the Revolution are still in prime position to make the postseason. That said, if they want a berth—and, what’s more, a chance to compete for the Cup—they’ll have to play better.
If the playoffs were to start today, the Revolution would play Montreal.
If you want to reach Julian email him at julianccardillo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @juliancardillo
