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FOXBOROUGH, MA– The New England Revolution (8-2-15, 26 pts.) were defeated 2-0 versus Real Salt Lake (13-8-6, 54 pts.) on Saturday night.
The match kicked off at 9:30 p.m. ET at America First Field to a crowd of 15,000.
Tonight's Starting XI 💪
Watch Live on @appletv #MLSSeasonPass | https://t.co/QKaGTHUJyx#RSLvNE pic.twitter.com/OuxSpEh1FL
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) September 1, 2024
The team started their lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Aljaž Ivačič starting in net with a backline of (left back) Will Sands, (center backs) Dave Romney, and Xavier Arreaga, along with (right back) Nick Lima. The midfield spots were manned by Matt Polster (left defensive midfield) and Mark-Anthony Kaye (right defensive midfield), with Carles Gil appearing ahead of them (central attacking midfield). The forward roles were manned by Emmanuel Boateng (left wing), Esmir Bajraktarevic (right wing), and Bobby Wood as the lone striker.
Midfielder Alhassan Yusuf did not travel with the squad.
𝑻𝑬𝑨𝑴 🔵🔴#NERevs | #RSLvNE pic.twitter.com/u6BerHtrlV
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) September 1, 2024
The match began with New England starting from the center circle and quickly advancing the ball into the RSL defensive third.
RSL had the first chance of the match in the 7th minute when midfielder #8 Diego Luna’s long-distance effort was an easy save for Aljaž Ivačič.
Less than one minute later, Aljaž Ivačič made yet another save, this time on midfielder #17 Lachlan Brook.
Real Salt Lake had more chances in the 23rd minute after both defender #98 Alexandros Katranis and midfielder #10 Diogo Gonçalves were denied by Aljaž Ivačič. Absolutely spectacular from Ivačič.
https://x.com/NERevolution/status/1830066165701345412
Entering the 29th minute, RSL thought they gained the lead after a triple save by goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič, however, offsides was called, and the goal did not stand.
New England had their first chance in the 32nd minute after Carles Gil’s corner kick delivery found Emmanuel Boateng but was claimed by goalkeeper #35 Gavin Beavers.
In the 45+1 minute, RSL midfielder #6 Brian Ojeda was issued a yellow card for a foul on Emmanuel Boateng.
Entering the 45+2 minute, RSL took the 1-0 advantage.
Made them pay 😤 pic.twitter.com/234eLRZuUU
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) September 1, 2024
Following a horrific back pass by defender Xavier Arreaga, the ball was intercepted by forward #29 Anderson Julio, who then took the ball, rounded Aljaž Ivačič and passed it in to make it 1-0 just before halftime.
After the initial 45+6 minutes, the match entered halftime with Real Salt Lake ahead 1-0.
Down at the half.#RSLvNE | @SantanderBankUS pic.twitter.com/2rhfgaPuac
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) September 1, 2024
Prior to the start of the second half, Revolution head coach Caleb Porter made his first two changes of the match by replacing Bobby Wood and Mark-Anthony Kaye with Giacomo Vrioni and Ian Harkes.
The second half began with Real Salt Lake starting from the center circle and quickly advancing the ball into New England’s defensive third.
RSL had the first chance of the 2nd half when forward 29 Anderson Julio’s effort went just wide of the net in the 52nd minute.
In the 54th minute, Revolution head coach Caleb Porter made his third change of the match by replacing Emmanuel Boateng with Dylan Borrero.
Less than one minute later, Revolution defender Nick Lima was issued a yellow card.
Entering the 56th minute, RSL added to their lead.
It was a dream start to the second half and a dream finish for Phil pic.twitter.com/Jh5KyKb4qd
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) September 1, 2024
Following a free-kick delivery, the ball fell for defender #26 Philip Quinton for the finish to double the lead for Real Salt Lake.
Following the goal, in the 57th minute, Revolution head coach Caleb Porter made his fourth change of the match by replacing Esmir Bajraktarevic with Luca Langoni.
In the 62nd minute, RSL head coach Pablo Mastroeni made his first two changes of the match by replacing midfielder #17 Lachlan Brook and defender #91 Javain Brown with midfielders #11 Dominik Marczuk and #19 Bode Hidalgo.
New England’s next chance came in the 65th minute when Xavier Arreaga’s header went up and over the bar.
Less than 2 minutes later, Giacomo Vrioni had a header of his own that went just wide of the net.
In the 70th minute, RSL head coach Pablo Mastroeni made his third and fourth change of the match by replacing midfielder #8 Diego Luna and forward #29 Anderson Julio with midfielders #16 Maikel Chang and #25 Matt Crooks.
how you Like them appLes pic.twitter.com/PcwlGtKYOp
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) September 1, 2024
In the 73rd minute, Revolution head coach Caleb Porter made his final change of the match by replacing Nick Lima with Peyton Miller.
Entering the 75th minute, RSL almost added to their lead when midfielder #16 Maikel Chang’s close-range effort struck the bar.
Just two minutes later, New England had their biggest chance when Giacomo Vrioni attempted to lob goalkeeper #35 Gavin Beavers but was thwarted by the young goalkeeper.
In the 83rd minute, RSL head coach Pablo Mastroeni made his final change of the match by replacing defender #98 Alexandros Katranis with defender #2 Andrew Brody.
After the 90+5 minutes, the match concluded with RSL holding onto the 2-0 victory.
Final.#NERevs | @SantanderBankUS pic.twitter.com/qUbw3gKkVn
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) September 1, 2024
With the result, New England moves to 13th in the MLS Eastern Conference. They currently sit 2 points below the playoff line
New England Revolution (8-2-15, 26 pts.) return home to face MLS Western Conference side St. Louis City FC (5-12-10, 27 pts.) on Saturday, September 7th. The match kicks off in Gillette Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.
(Editor’s Note: For more of Burt Granofsky’s photos, click on the link)
