March 9, 2011
FIRST LOSS
Revs fall to Crew, 3-1

KENNESAW, Ga. – The New England Revolution’s high-flying preseason came crashing to earth on Wednesday night, with a 3-1 loss to the Columbus Crew in the opening match of the Atlanta Pro Soccer Challenge at KSU Soccer Stadium.

The Crew, eager to avenge a 2-1 loss to the Revs four days ago, took a quick 2-0 lead on goals by Bernardo Anor in the 16th minute and Tommy Heinemann in the 17th. Heinemann struck again in the 53rd minute to leave New England in a three-goal hole.

Ilija Stolica put New England on the board in the 63rd minute, but the Crew remained firmly in control and handed the 4-1-0 Revs their first loss of the preseason.

Defensive miscues opened the door for both of the Crew’s first-half goals. Anor slipped into the penalty area in time to head home Robbie Rogers’ free kick for the opening tally, and Heinemann capitalized on a misplayed ball by Revolution rookie defender A.J. Soares, chipping the ball over unprotected netminder Matt Reis.


Stolica had a chance to close the gap in the 33rd minute, catching Columbus ‘keeper Alex Riggs off his line but sending his shot well high of the wide-open net.

Heinemann’s second goal capped a solid team attack by the Crew, who threaded passes through the Revolution backfield and into the box for Anor, who drew Reis out of position before slipping a ball across the goalmouth to leave Heinemann with the tap-in finish.

Stolica’s goal came from a similarly slick passing sequence that started well upfield with Chris Tierney. Shalrie Joseph relayed the ball to Zack Schilawski, who in turn fed Stolica for the 12-yard shot.



Sainey Nyassi almost took another point back for the Revs with a blistering solo run down the right side, but his shot went into the outside netting.


The Revolution close out the preseason with a Sunday (March 13) match against the Houston Dynamo, also at KSU Stadium.