I have to admit that the New England Revolution is surprising me at the moment. A week ago their playoff chances were hanging by a thread as the Revs embarked on a road trip that would take them to New York and Montreal.
But after getting a point in New York (yes it should have been three), New England headed to Montreal and beat the Impact 1-0 thanks to a Jose Goncalves’ goal in the 31st minute.
With the win, the Revs are right in the playoff mix with two games to go.
While New England (12-11-9, 45 pts.) are in seventh place, they are one point out of fourth place – currently occupied by Montreal (13-11-7, 46 pts.).
The Revs win and performance was dampened by the injury to Saer Sene in the 18th minute. Sène’s studs appeared to get stuck grass as Impact right back Davy Arnaud tackled him in the penalty area. Sene left the field on a stretcher and diagnosed with a dislocated left ankle and a fractured left fibula. This is the second year in a row that Sene has picked up a season ending injury.
The New England goal involved two of the Revs best players this season as Diego Fagundez whipped in a cross and the ball rebounded to Goncalves at the back post to blast home.
The Revs’ defense took care of the rest as the team posted their league-high 13th team shutout and limited Montreal to just eight shots, including a lone shot on goal.
That lone shot fell to MLS’ leading goal-scorer, Marco Di Vaio,just outside the six-yard box but Matt Reis made a terrific save to deny Di Vaio and maintain the Revs 1-0 lead.
The Revolution finished up the season with a home and away series with the Columbus Crew, with the first game at Gillette Stadium next Saturday. A must-win game if the Revs want to make the playoffs this season.
