FOXBOROUGH, MA– The New England Revolution (0-0-2, 0 pts.) were defeated 1-0 by Toronto FC (1-1-0, 4 pts.) in a match on Sunday.
The match kicked off at 2:00 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA to a crowd of 30,000.
The Home Opener #StartingXI ? pic.twitter.com/5Nk4ac2K0g
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) March 3, 2024
The team started their lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Henrich Ravas starting in net with a backline of (left back) DeJuan Jones, (center backs) Dave Romney, and Henry Kessler, along with (right back) Andrew Farrell. The midfield spots were manned by Matt Polster (left defensive midfield) and Noel Buck (right defensive midfield), with Carles Gil appeared ahead of them (central attacking midfield). The forward roles were manned by Emmanuel Boateng (left wing), Esmir Bajraktarević (right wing), and Tomás Chancalay as the lone striker.
March 3, 2024; The Revolution starting XI during an MLS regular season game between the New England Revolution and Toronto FC at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (c) Burt Granofsky/Prost Amerika
The match kicked off with New England starting from the center circle. Forward Tomás Chancalay elected to play the ball backwards to Carles Gil, who elected to play the ball backwards to Matt Polster as New England elected to build out of the back to start the match.
Toronto FC’s first moment of the match came in the 9th minute after DeJuan Jones pass was intercepted by #14 Alonso Coello. He managed to find #21 Jonathan Osorio, who found #24 Lorenzo Insigne. He then elected a right-footed shot that went just inches wide of the top left corner.
Just 3 minutes later, Toronto had yet another chance after #27 Sean Oneil’s delivery into the area found #99 Prince Owusu for the header, but it went just over the crossbar.
March 3, 2024; New England Revolution forward Esmir Bajraktarevic (47) paces the attack during an MLS regular season game between the New England Revolution and Toronto FC at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (c) Burt Granofsky/Prost Amerika
New England’s first chance in the match came in the 14th minute when Esmir Bajraktarevic’s right-footed shot into the bottom right corner was saved by #12 Sean Johnson.
Just 7 minutes later, Esmir Bajraktarevic was taken down in the area. There was no call and play continued. Moments later, the VAR called an issued an on-field review. The center official stood by his decision on no penalty and play continued.
Entering the 24th minute, DeJuan Jones delivery into the area found the head of Tomás Chancalay, but it went just over the bar.
In the 26th minute, Toronto had thought they gained the advantage after #21 Jonathan Osorio’s close-range effort was saved by #1 Henrich Ravas.
Less than one minute later, entering the 27th minute, Toronto FC gained the 1-0 advantage.
Cheeky chip, that ? @Lor_Insigne pic.twitter.com/dYDs8hAhRq
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) March 3, 2024
After a shot attempt by #10 Federico Bernardeschi that deflected off the leg of Dave Romney, the ball found #24 Lorenzo Insigne on the other side of the Revolution penalty area. He took 1 touch to trap the ball before unleashing an audacious chip over the head of #1 Henrich Ravas.
Just 7 minutes later, Toronto had thought they added to their lead after a goal was scored #99 Prince Owusu. His header however came after an offsides position in the build-up and was chalked off.
After the 45+3 minutes, the match entered halftime with Toronto ahead 1-0.
The first 45'.#NERevs | @SantanderBankUS pic.twitter.com/VwFsczqVz7
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) March 3, 2024
Prior to the start of the second half, Toronto FC head coach John Herdman made his first change of the match by replacing forward #24 Lorenzo Insigne with defender #19 Kobe Franklin.
The second half kicked off with Toronto FC starting from the center circle. Forward #21 Jonathan Osorio elected to play the ball backwards to midfielder #14 Alonso Coello, who elected to play the ball backwards as Toronto FC start the second half by building out of the back.
March 3, 2024; New England Revolution midfielder Nacho Gil (21) enters the match during an MLS regular season game between the New England Revolution and Toronto FC at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (c) Burt Granofsky/Prost Amerika
In the 61st minute, Revolution head coach Caleb Porter made his first two changes of the match by replacing midfielders Noel Buck and Emmanuel Boateng with midfielders Nacho Gil and Mark-Anthony Kaye.
New England had a great chance in the 64th minute when the inswinger cross by Tomás Chancalay found Mark-Anthony Kaye, but it was met with a great save by #1 Sean Johnson. The ball then found Henry Kessler who unleashed a rocket-shot which aided to a scuffle between players, as the offside whistle had blown prior to the shot.
March 3, 2024; Toronto FC defender Nicksoen Gomis (15) dribbles the ball during an MLS regular season game between the New England Revolution and Toronto FC at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (c) Burt Granofsky/Prost Amerika
Just 5 minutes later, in the 66th minute, Toronto FC head coach John Herdman made his second change of the match by replacing forward #99 Prince Owusu for forward #9 Ayo Akinola.
New England had yet another chance in the 68th minute after Tomás Chancalay and Mark-Anthony Kaye had clear chances, but both were blocked and cleared.
Entering the 72nd minute, Carles Gil had an unbelievable long-distance shot that was miraculously saved by #1 Sean Johnson.
Just one minute later minute, Toronto FC midfielder #10 Federico Bernardeschi was issued a yellow card for a harsh foul on Carles Gil.
March 3, 2024; New England Revolution defender Nick Lima (12) makes a late game run up the pitch during an MLS regular season game between the New England Revolution and Toronto FC at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (c) Burt Granofsky/Prost Amerika
Moments later, New England Revolution head coach Caleb Porter made his third change of the match by replacing defender Andrew Farrell with defender Nick Lima.
Entering the 75th minute, Toronto almost added to their lead again after #21 Jonathan Osorio’s right-footed effort struck the crossbar and out for a New England goal kick.
Just 2 minutes later, in the 78th minute, Toronto FC head coach John Herdman made his third change of the match by replacing midfielder #28 Raoul Petretta with midfielder #47 Kosi Thompson.
Moments later, New England had the best chance of the half after Tomás Chancalay’s right-footed cross into the box found Nacho Gil less than a yard out. His half-volley close range shot was caught by #1 Sean Johnson.
In the 82nd minute, Toronto FC defender #15 Nicksoen Gomis was issued a yellow card for a harsh foul on Carles Gil.
March 3, 2024; Toronto FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson (1) reacts after another phenomenal save during an MLS regular season game between the New England Revolution and Toronto FC at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (c) Burt Granofsky/Prost Amerika
Just 5 minutes later, in the 87th minute, Toronto FC goalkeeper #1 Sean Johnson was issued a yellow card for time wasting.
Following his injury, Revolution head coach Caleb Porter made his fourth change of the match by replacing defender DeJuan Jones with midfielder Jack Panayotou.
March 3, 2024; Toronto FC forward Ayo Akinola (9) upends New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil (10) during an MLS regular season game between the New England Revolution and Toronto FC at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (c) Burt Granofsky/Prost Amerika
In the 90+2nd minute, Toronto FC forward #9 Ayo Akinola was issued a yellow card for a harsh foul on Carles Gil.
Just moments later, New England had yet another chance to level the scoreline after Matt Polster’s right-footed rocket in the 93rd minute was met by a spectacular diving save by #1 Sean Johnson.
After the 90+6 minutes, the match ended with Toronto securing the 1-0 victory.
FINAL.#NERevs | @SantanderBankUS pic.twitter.com/HludUST0av
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) March 3, 2024
With the result, The New England Revolution start the season with back-to-back losses for the first time since 2017. This is also the first time since 2004 that they have lost the first two games of the season with one match home & one away.
New England led the match in possession, total shots, shots on target, blocked shots, corners, and crosses.
???#NERevs | @DraftKings pic.twitter.com/tGZnFi8x1S
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) March 3, 2024
The New England Revolution (0-0-2, 0pts.) return to Concacaf Champions Cup play as they will be home as they are set to face Costa Rican side Liga Deportiva Alajuelense (6-3-2 21 pts. in CRPD) on Wednesday, March 6th. The match kicks off in Gillette Stadium at 6:00 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.
(Editor’s Note: For more of Burt Granofsky’s photos, click on the link)
