A second-half goal from Tomas Chancalay gave the New England Revolution a much-needed 1-0 win Saturday night against the host Chicago Fire.
The Revolution (2-7-1, 7 points) came into Saturday’s match in last place in the Eastern Conference Standings with just one win through their first nine contests.
New England didn’t create many chances in the first half, but coach Caleb Porter’s side came out of the halftime break with renewed energy.
After applying the pressure with a handful of shots in the first 15 minutes of the second half, the Revolution finally broke through in the 62nd minute on a left-footed rocket from Chancalay, who notched his second goal of the season. They have come in the last two matches.
New England’s only win before Saturday night was a 1-0 victory over Charlotte FC on April 6.
Chicago (2-5-4, 10 points) had a chance to tie the game 12 minutes later on a free kick from Xherdan Shaqiri, but his attempt from just outside the box was tipped over the bar by New England keeper Aljaz Ivacic, who made his debut for the Revolution on Saturday.
Ivacic, who signed a contract through the 2025 season on April 23, made three saves. Fire keeper Chris Brady also finished with three saves.
Chicago finished with 15 shots to 11 for New England, but the Revolution put four of theirs on goal, compared to three for the Fire.
The Fire, who are in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with 10 points through their first 11 matches, have not scored a goal since defeating the Houston Dynamo 2-1 on April 6.
The Fire and Revolution had played to a draw in their six meetings.
Chicago visits St. Louis City next weekend, while New England will take on the New York Red Bulls in Harrison, N.J.
–Field Level Media
