FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution and Toronto FC battled to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night, the Revs extending their home unbeaten streak to 15 games (10-0-4) while TFC snared a hard-earned road point.
HIGHLIGHTS: Michael Bradley Goal | Diving Save From Konopka
The Reds were paced by an amazing individual goal by Michael Bradley in the 53rd minute. But the Canadian side may also be taking some unwanted baggage back across the border.
INTERVIEWS: Michael Bradley |Chris Konopka | Benoit Cheyrou | Greg Vanney
Bradley played Jozy Altidore in past the New England backline in the 18th minute as the visitors started the match brightly. But after Altidore’s unsuccessful attempt to slide the ball across to Jonathan Osorio, Toronto’s star striker came up lame.
Altidore sat on the turf for some time, signaling for the training staff while holding the back of his right leg, and eventually departed for the locker room for the remainder of the night.
Meanwhile, New England put on a first-half passing clinic, using a highly efficient rate of connection (83 percent) as they sought to take advantage of Altidore’s absence.
In the 32nd minute, Lee Nguyen, Teal Bunbury and London Woodberry worked along the right side of the TFC 18-yard box before Woodberry was provided ample space to drop in a cross that Juan Agudelo headed home, putting the Revs on the board first.
A late opportunity by Sebastian Giovinco to square things up before half was snuffed out by Bobby Shuttleworth. But shortly after the break Bradley decided to take things into his own hands, charging hard through the New England defense before beating Bobby Shuttleworth with a low far-post finish to level the match at 1-1.
The Revolution nearly wrestled away the result in the final moments. In the 84th minute Nguyen threaded a gorgeous pass through the Toronto defense, but Konopka raced out to smother Andy Dorman’s shot as he released it.
A minute later Nguyen was again involved, this time taking a pass wide on the right side of the box before sending a far-post shot inches past his target.
A last-ditch blast by Nguyen in extra time once again saw Konopka (eight saves) come up with a big stop to maintain the result for TFC and moments later a Diego Fagundez header flew just wide with the goal gaping.
The Revolution face their quickest turnaround of the season when they head to Kansas City to face Sporting on Wednesday. Toronto return home to host Portland next Saturday.
