Bridgeview, IL (Sports Network) - The New England Revolution kicked off the
2013 MLS season in winning fashion, collecting three points in a 1-0 defeat of
the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park on Saturday.
The Revs managed just two road wins all of last season, conceding 29 goals in
their 17 matches away from Gillette Stadium.
But a clean sheet from Matt Reis and a goal from Jerry Bengston got New
England's road form off to a good start in the new season.
New England got off the mark when Chicago failed to clear its lines from a
corner kick in the 62nd minute. A poor clearance was pumped back into the box
by Kelyn Rowe and Bengston latched on to the delivery to guide his header past
Sean Johnson from close range.
The Revs staved off some late pressure from the Fire to preserve the shutout
and secure their first win at Toyota Park since 2007.
Chicago heads into its third match of the season searching for its first goal
and its first point. The Fire have conceded a total of five goals through two
games following their 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy last weekend, leaving
head coach Frank Klopas with plenty to sort out before the club returns to
action for a meeting with Sporting Kansas City on March 16.
New England will remain on the road, heading to PPL Park to take on the
Philadelphia Union next Saturday.
The Sports Network