FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – For the second straight weekend the New England Revolution extended their league-best unbeaten run – now nine games – with a draw against an Eastern Conference opponent. And for the second straight weekend they were left frustrated with how it happened.
Juan Agudelo’s third goal of the season gave the Revs another halftime lead against Toronto FC on Saturday night, but again they let that advantage slip away after the break as Michael Bradley pulled the visitors level in what finished as a 1-1 draw.
It was a somewhat similar scenario to last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Orlando City SC, when the Revs saw a 2-0 lead evaporate in the closing stages at the Citrus Bowl.
“I thought we were better this week than last week in terms of an overall performance,” said head coach Jay Heaps. “I think last week was 45 minutes of not playing well; tonight was 10 minutes of not playing well. But it still cost us the same amount of points.”
The 10-minute period Heaps was referring to was at the start of the second half, when TFC equalized following a barnstorming run and finish from Bradley. It was a clinical sequence from the U.S. National Team stalwart, but one Heaps felt the Revs should’ve dealt with a bit better.
“Listen, credit the goal – he had a great touch, got it to go his way and the finish was really good,” Heaps said. “But I think we had chances to eliminate his opportunity.”
While Heaps wasn’t thrilled with how the Revs conceded, he was more than happy with how they bounced back after TFC drew level. Toronto goalkeeper Chris Konopka was forced to make six saves in the second half – many of the highlight-reel variety – as the Revs pressed for a winner.
Perhaps the Revolution’s best chance to claim the full three points was in the third and final minute of stoppage time, when second-half substitute Diego Fagundez directed a header wide from point-blank range in a play that was a microcosm of the closing stages.
“I think we did everything but score,” said Heaps.
There was no winner to be found but there is consolation for the Revs, who’ll have an immediate chance to get back in the win column when they visit Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night, before returning home for a top-of-the-table clash with D.C. United next weekend.
“It’s always disappointing to leave points on the table at home, but at the same time, there’s some positives in there,” said Heaps. “We’ll move forward.”
