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Khano Smith played 80 minutes as Third-year midfielder Pat Phelan scored the first goal of his MLS career and goalkeeper Matt Reis made a season-high six saves to record his second regular-season shutout, lifting the New England Revolution to a 1-0 victory over D.C. United at Gillette Stadium.
The win extended the Revolution’s (5-9-3, 18 pts.) unbeaten streak to seven games (5-0-2) in all competitions and three games (2-0-1) in league action. Meanwhile, the loss was the fourth straight for United (3-13-3, 12 pts.), which is now winless in its last seven league games.
The game’s only goal arrived in the 42nd minute courtesy of a set piece, as Chris Tierney’s curling free kick was nodded home by Phelan.
Kevin Alston (L hamstring strain) and Marko Perovic (L calf strain) both missed out after sustaining minor injuries in the midweek SuperLiga victory over Puebla, leaving just 14 healthy field players available for the Revs. That included Serbian forward Ilija Stolica, who received his U.S. P-1 Visa on Friday morning and arrived in Boston from Belgrade on Friday night.
With his options limited, head coach Steve Nicol named an improvised starting lineup with central defender Emmanuel Osei playing right back and forward Kenny Mansally earning just his second start of the regular season alongside Zack Schilawski.
As expected under the direction of interim head coach Ben Olsen for the first time, United came out with high energy as the visitors looked to prove a point following the dismissal of former head coach Curt Onalfo midweek. The Revs did well to limit D.C.’s chances, however, as a 15-yard header from Pablo Hernandez represented the only decent effort for either side in the opening 25 minutes.
New England Revolution: Matt Reis (GK), Emmanuel Osei, Darrius Barnes, Cory Gibbs, Chris Tierney, Sainey Nyassi, Shalrie Joseph, Pat Phelan, Khano Smith (Roberto Linck 80), Zack Schilawski (Ilija Stolica 73), Kenny Mansally Substitutes Not Used: Bobby Shuttleworth, Tim Murray, Joseph Niouky, Seth Sinovic
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