After a long 124 days without an official match, the New England Revolution took the field against Eastern Conference rival, the Montreal Impact in their first game of the “MLS Is Back” tournament in Orlando, Florida. These familiar foes match up well with Montreal holding a 10-9-3 edge in all time matchups vs the Revs going into tonight’s game. The Revolution have been winless against the Impact since October of 2018. These two teams have seen each other once this season, with Montreal earning a 2-1 victory in the season opener.
The match would start off evenly matched, with neither team showing dominance through the first half hour of the contest. Following the hydration break at the thirty minute mark, the Revolution would control the pace of play, with Carles Gil and Cristian Penilla both generating a scoring chance. The Revolution looked sharp on the ball, showing long periods of possession and looking dangerous on the attack. Just before the conclusion of the first half, Gustavo Bou would find himself in alone against Montreal’s, Clément Diop, but ultimately put his efforts to chip the goalkeeper wide of the net.
At the half time break, the Revolution held a 11-4 lead in shots taken (3-1 on frame). Both teams with five fouls, with no cards shown to either side.
Montreal would come out of the break and generate a number of chances within the early minutes of the second half. However, Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner would prove to be up for the challenge, making a number of strong saves to keep the game level.
The back of the net was found by Gustavo Bou in the 56th minute off of a pass from Carles Gil. Bou would receive the ball at the top of the box before dribbling a defender and blasting one into the net. This marks Bou’s first goal of the season and his 10th goal since joining the club last summer.
Through the following twenty minutes, the Revolution continued to hold possession and create chances. Up by a goal, the Revolution would make a number of substitutions, bringing on forwards Teal Bunbury and Tajon Buchanan, and defender Dejuan Jones.
A tidy game for the Revolution, as they were able to see out the 1-0 victory. Though uneventful, this game showcased the “new era” of the New England Revolution. Their control of the game and ball movement, mixed with the dangerous attacking presence of their new personnel is an exciting and refreshing spectacle for Revs fans everywhere.
Up next for the Revolution is a Thursday evening match against D.C. United on July 16th. The Impact play their next match Wednesday, July 15th against Toronto FC.
Montreal Impact
New England Revolution
