MLS Roundup: Revs send Red Bulls to first defeat in Eastern Conference final rematch
New England Revolution 2 -- New York Red Bulls 1
Teal Bunbury completed a sweeping team move to propel the Revs to victory over the previously unbeaten Red Bulls at Gillette Stadium. New England constructed the perfect start in this Eastern Conference final rematch when Charlie Davies turned home London Woodberry’s cross at the near post. Bunbury doubled the advantage by polishing off a tidy team move early in the second half. Sacha Kljestan pulled a goal back as the Red Bulls to arrange a grandstand finish, but the Red Bulls could not snatch the second required to avoid their first defeat.
D.C. United 2 -- Columbus Crew SC 0
United celebrated the extension handed to Bill Hamid on Friday with a victory over Crew SC at RFK Stadium. Fabian Espindola blunted Crew SC’s bright start with the opening goal inside the opening quarter of an hour. United broke quickly from the remnants of a Columbus corner and reaped the benefits when Chris Rolfe slotted Espindola through for the first goal. Sean Franklin reinforced Crew SC’s set piece issues on the night when he ghosted free unmarked at the back post and sidefooted home the second before halftime to secure the points.
Portland Timbers 0 -- Vancouver Whitecaps 0
Vancouver survived a missed Darlington Nagbe penalty kick to claim a point at Providence Park. Referee Allen Chapman pointed to the spot after Pa Moudou Kah deflected Alvas Powell’s cross into his arm with his leg. Nagbe stepped up to the spot and whacked his attempt off the right post. Timbers coach Caleb Porter threw the returning Diego Valeri into the fray after the break, but the Whitecaps held firm to secure a point.
Philadelphia Union 0 -- Toronto FC 1
Sebastian Giovinco produced a sublime free kick to claim all three points at PPL Park. Giovinco thrashed home from 40 yards shortly before halftime to provide the margin of victory. Philadelphia protested when Fernando Aristeguieta saw a goal ruled out for offside in the second half, but the Union ultimately succumbed to defeat nevertheless. The victory ensured TFC ended a seven-match road streak with three victories and four defeats.
LA Galaxy 1 -- Colorado Rapids 1
Alan Gordon rescued a point for the Galaxy in the late stages at StubHub Center. Colorado grabbed the advantage shortly before halftime when Gabriel Torres raced clear and slotted home the opener. The home side pushed and pushed until second-half substitute Gordon headed home a Stefan Ishizaki corner kick to salvage a point in the late stages.
