Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Revolution have been struggling in league play as of late. But on Saturday night, the return of Stoke City-bound striker Juan Agudelo would provide the Revs with the high-caliber offensive weapon that they would desperately need to secure a win against the Chicago Fire. Agudelo netted a brilliant goal to give the Revs a 1-0 lead, while Kelyn Rowe sealed the victory for New England in stoppage time with an easy tap-in finish.
Another alteration to the Revolution lineup was the substitution of goalkeeper Matt Reis for starting goalkeeper Bobby Shutteworth. Reis has an excellent track record against the Fire, and he proved his worth by stopping a couple threatening scoring chances that would have kept the Fire in the game.
The beginning of the match was marked by the Revs securing possession and Chicago mustering up two major counter-attacking opportunites that Reis saved. Kelyn Rowe also saw his long shot skitter wide of the post in the first half, but he found a way to tap-in his third opportunity off of Saer Sene‘s rebounded shot.
In the 53rd minute, Chris Tierney sent Agudelo behind the Fire’s backline with a nice lob pass, but it seemed like Agudelo wouldn’t be able to properly gain control of the Tierney’s high-bouncing ball. The 20-year-old American proceeded to chip a back-heeled moon ball that sailed over goalkeeper Sean Johnson and landed into the back of the net before Bakary Soumaré could clear it away. It was a truly amazing goal for any footballer, and Agudelo’s finish will definitely be a strong candidate for the MLS Goal of the Year.
How about Juan Agudelo. In his first match back from injury, he not only gives his team a magnificent goal, but also displays his excellent skill taking defenders 1-on-1. He was clearly the most skilled player on the pitch, and he demonstrates that assertion with his effective, flashy scissor-dribbling moves. He has the ability to create chances by himself, and it is obvious that the youngster boasts Premier League talent.
Fans can’t wait to see the New England Revolution and Juan Agudelo in action next Sunday against the Philadelphia Union.
