For the fifth successive game the New England Revolution conceded a goal after the 81st minute, and on Saturday it cost them three points against the New York Red Bulls.
In a rare example of offensive firepower the Revolution jumped out to a 2-0 half-time as the Milton Caraglio, the Revs first-ever desiginated player, scored his first two goals in MLS. For most teams a two-goal half-time lead is a guaranteed three points, but not this years New England Revolution.
Caraglio gave the Revs a great start in the 15th minute when he fought through a trio of Red Bulls defenders. Caraglio’s first shot was saved by Coundoul, but Caraglio collected his own rebound, eluded another defender and finished inside the left post.
Caraglio doubled his haul in the 37th minute, finishing off Mansally’s set-piece service to give the Revs a 2-0 lead. From a free kick, Mansally delivered an in-swinging cross into the box where Caraglio escaped his marker and sent a glancing header past the outstretched right arm of Coundoul.
The Red Bulls got back in the game in the 53rd minute via route one. Tim Ream’s long pass over the top of the Revolution’s backline sent Richards on a clear breakaway, and the Red Bulls striker made no mistake with an emphatic finish past Shuttleworth.
new England’s habit of picking up red cards continued in the 53rd minute when Mansally was issued his second yellow card for an errant elbow and was subsequently ejected. Fortunately for New England, they were only a man short for 14 minutes, as Tainio was sent off after receiving his second caution for a tackle from behind on Shalrie Joseph.
Then with time winding down, Joel Lindpere worked free down the left wing and drilled a sharp cross into the box for Richards, who converted from close range to pull the visitors level and provide the final 2-2 score line.
This was the second straight game this week in which the Revolution have thrown away a much needed win. On Wednesday night, Bobby Boswell’s 90th-minute goal gave the Houston Dynamo a share of the points.
The Revs are now 4-11-11 this season and sit in eight place in the east with 23 pts. The playoffs while still mathematically possible are unrealistic as long as the Revs continue to throw away leads late in games.