Foxborough, MA. – Sporting Kansas City defeated the New England Revolution 1-0 at Gillette Stadium on Saturday night behind Teal Bunbury’s 20th minute goal. Bunbury benefited from New England’s defensive error and created his own opportunity to score his forth goal of the season.
New England was playing its first game since traded to their longtime leader Shalrie Joseph to Chivas USA, but the players affirmed that his departure had no role in the game’s outcome.
With the loss, the Revs (6-11-5, 23 pts.) are now winless in their last five outings (0-4-1) while Sporting KC has managed to end their three game winless streak and tie with Houston for the first place of the Eastern Conference. New England has been shoutout in all three games played against Sporting KC this season.
New England’s best chance to tie the game came right before halftime when Chris Thierney sets up first time starter Dimitry Imbongo for a free header which went over the crossbar from six yards.
Jimmy Nielsen, Sporting’s goalkeeper made three saves to record his league leading 10th shoutout of the season while New England recorded its 8th scoreless contest of the season.
Sporting did its best to secure a much needed victory as they are heading to play Seattle in the Open Cup final. New England’s next game will be on Sunday, August 12 as they will host the Montreal Impact for their first ever visit to Gillette Stadium.
BP/HTP