Different season, same D.C. United. Though their record may be wiped back to zero and the schedule a bit smaller D.C. United played like the same squad that frustrated and excited supporters for the entire 2015 Major League Soccer regular season. A wonder goal by Juan Agudelo put D.C. down early against the New England Revolution. But once again MLS’ comeback kids would thrill late with a goal by Chris Rolfe to push them into the next round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Despite both sides playing just three days prior neither side took the early part of the match lightly. With New England and United defenses both coming off a series of tentative performances, their counterparts on the attack looked to take advantage.
The Revolution would strike first with forward Juan Agudelo finishing off a cross by defender Kevin Alston with a spectacular bicycle kick. Alston’s probing run down the right flank grabbed the attention of defender Taylor Kemp. Agudelo would sneak behind United defender’s Sean Franklin and Bobby Boswell and hammer home his chance, giving the Revolution the 1-0 advantage.
Now for most teams being down a goal in a knockout round game would be time to pack things up and call it a season. But for D.C. in 2015 being down a goal is as normal as the sun rising from the east. While the United defense continued to struggle to hold back the Revolution attack (midfielder Kellyn Rowe nearly had a second two minutes later but was denied by United goalkeeper Bill Hamid) their midfield and attack showed signs of life. With leading scorer Chris Rolfe and forward Fabian Espindola going directly against Alston and Andrew Farrell United found pockets of space to exploit. A show by Rolfe in the 20th minute looked promising but was ultimately saved by Revolution goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth. The ensuing rebound shot by Espindola also had potential but lacked resolve.
United had another golden opportunity in the 35th minute when Espindola’s run found the Revolution defense scrambling. His simple inside heel pass to midfielder Nick De Leon caught him with enough space at the top of the box to hit a cross to an open Rolfe. Rolfe then proceeded to chest trap and unleash a half volley on target. His shot was saved by Shuttleworth and went off the bar.
To match D.C.’s attacking efforts New England would have another crack at a two goal advantage before the end of the first half. In the 39th minute Agudelo breezed past a an unsuspecting Kemp and delivered a perfect pass to midfielder Diego Fagundez at the top of the penalty box. Fagundez was not able to capitalize on the golden opportunity though hitting his shot off-target.
With a second life D.C. would make the most out of their opportunity. After receiving a free kick just inches away from the Revolution penalty box Espindola would hit a low curving cross into midfielder Chris Pontius. Pontius would lean back and restore the match at level terms just before the end of the half.
Although New England would have their opportunities in the second half D.C. nearly took the lead with a questionable penalty kick call. In the 73rd minute after Caldwell handled the ball inside of his team’s own penalty box. It appeared that Caldwell was attempting to remove is arm from the play referee Mark Geiger gave United the chance to punch their spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. On the ensuing kick though Rolfe would hit the right post ending D.C.’s goal-scoring opportunity.
Rolfe would have another chance to be the hero in the 83rd minute when he would receive a pass from Espindola in the left corner. This time Rolfe would make the most of his chance hitting his shot past Shuttleworth to give D.C. the 2-1 lead. Credit should also go to De Leon whose back-heel found Espindola in space down the left flank.
With the season on the line New England would press D.C. late. A short pass by forward Charlie Davies in the 83rd minute would find midfielder Jermaine Jones. Jones’ header appeared to be destined for the back of the net. But as he has done so many times this season Hamid would make a critical save to preserve the lead. Hamid would end the evening with three saves.
New England looked like they might have another chance to keep their 2015 season alive in injury time when a United defender appeared to handle the ball inside their own box. However, Geiger opted to let play continue a decision that did not sit well with Jones. Jones sprinted towards Geiger and appeared to put his hands on the referee. Geiger issued Jones a red card ending an excellent match in controversy.
With the victory D.C. United moves on to the MLS Eastern Conference Semifinals. United will host either the New York Red Bulls or Columbus Crew SC on Sunday at RFK Stadium.
MATCH REPORT
D.C. United– Bill Hamid, Taylor Kemp, Bobby Boswell, Steve Birnbaum, Sean Franklin, Nick De Leon, Markus Halsti, Perry Kitchen, Chris Pontius (Alvaro Saborio 54′,) Fabian Espindola, and Chris Rolfe
Goals-Pontius (45′) and Rolfe (83′)
Yellow Cards -Boswell (69′) and Halsti (76′)
New England Revolution-Bobby Shuttleworth, Kevin Alston, Andrew Farrell, Jose Goncalves, Chris Tierney, Scott Caldwell (Daigo Kobayashi 87′,) Jermaine Jones, Kellyn Rowe, Lee Nguyen, Diego Fagundez (Teal Bunbury 51′,) and Juan Agudelo (Charlie Davies 70′)
Goal- Agudelo (15′)
Yellow Cards-Farrell (45′) and Jones (72′)
Red Card- Jones (91′)
