fb-pixelRevolution seek breakthrough vs. Red Bulls - The Boston Globe Skip to main content

Revolution seek breakthrough vs. Red Bulls

Revolution midfielder Kelyn Rowe believes his team’s scoring woes might be solved after Saturday’s visit to the New York Red Bulls.Norm Hall/Getty Images

FOXBOROUGH — Revolution midfielder Kelyn Rowe believes his team’s scoring woes (one goal in five games) might be solved after Saturday’s visit to the New York Red Bulls.

The Red Bulls’ back line has allowed the second-most goals in Major League Soccer (11), ahead of the one team the Revolution did manage to break down, the Chicago Fire (12 goals allowed). Rowe expects pace in the attacking third of the field to be vital at Red Bull Arena.

“I think we can split them with our fast forwards,” said Rowe. “Exploiting them is a big thing. Maybe their back line has been a little shaky here and there. Jerry [Bengtson] is obviously a good goal scorer. They’ve allowed a lot of goals this season and we need some.”

Advertisement



In last Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Seattle, the Revolution’s leading goal-scorer from 2012, Saer Sene, received 20 valuable minutes as a second-half substitute in his return from a torn ACL. Sene scored 11 goals last season, and the 6-foot-3-inch, left-footed forward might take some pressure off of Bengtson.

“Saer is a terrific player,” Rowe said. “There’s really no one like him, so to have him healthy again, getting him minutes is going to be great for the end of the season.”

Revolution coach Jay Heaps said that while Sene’s fitness level isn’t at the point where he can play 90 minutes, the Frenchman added something in his return.

“It was a boost,” said Heaps. “It’s almost like a new signing, with where he is. He adds a spark and he’s a good player.”