Revolution Earn Third Straight Clean Sheet, Take All Three Points in Charlotte
Carles Gil's fourth goal of the season was the match winner.
The New England Revolution defeated Charlotte FC 1-0 at Bank of America Stadium Saturday evening.
The Revs stuck with the 3-5-2 formation that has helped them to two consecutive shutout victories, making no changes to the team that started against NYCFC last week. They traveled to face a Charlotte team that started the match week atop the Eastern Conference standings.
Crystal Palace legend Wilfred Zaha looked dangerous in the early going for Charlotte. He created multiple opportunities on the left flank, but some timely defending from Tanner Beason and excellent goalkeeping play from Aljaž Ivačič kept the match level at the break.
One bright spot for New England in the first 45 was Peyton Miller, who made several positive runs forward from the left wing-back position. Charlotte outshot the Revolution 11-5 in the half.
The Revolution thought they had the opening goal in the 58th minute when Carles Gil worked his magic, scooping a pass over the Charlotte backline to Ignatius Ganago. The former Nantes forward brought the ball down and hit a low half-volley that bounced into the bottom corner. Immediately, the assistant referee raised his flag for offside, spotting Ganago about a boot length offside as the ball was played.
Charlotte dominated much of the second half, continuing to search for a winner. Hartford, Connecticut native Patrick Agyemang was a big part of that, posing a threat all night for the home side.
After rolling with the punches for 77 minutes, New England scored the lone goal of the game. Gil notched his fourth tally of the season on what was probably meant to be a cross. The captain picked up the ball on the right side of the 18-yard box, cut inside on his left foot, and whipped a curling ball past Kristijan Kahlina into the bottom corner.
There was a shout for offside on the play as Matt Polster dove for the header, and it may have been in Khalina’s line of vision. After a short VAR review, the goal was upheld.
Ivačič made four saves in the game for his third consecutive shutout.
I truly thought leaving Charlotte with a point was going to be a win… but actually getting a win? I’m so pleased.
We have to build Carles Gil a statue. I’m serious, he’s so good
We have not had the chance to watch last 3 matches, and only got to see part of the second half. I will say, they looked much improved. Hope they can keep it up.