Three first-half goals from the Supporters' Shield-leading New England Revolution saw them storm past FC Cincinnati 4-1 at Gillette Stadium on Saturday evening.
A first-half masterclass from Tajon Buchanan, who scored the opening goal and assisted on the second, helped lead the Revs to their fourth straight win while extending their unbeaten run to nine matches. Adam Buksa also scored a brace, while Emmanuel Boateng posted a goal and an assist himself.
Buchanan got things going in the 7th minute when he fired home from close range after pouncing on a rebound, while Boateng doubled their lead 14 minutes later. Buchanan sent the ball across the box after some nifty dribbling in the box and Boateng hit it first-time into the back of the net. Buksa found a third goal in the 33rd minute with a fantastic solo effort, passing home after initially tripping and falling onto the ground in the box.
Cincinnati received a glimmer of hope in the second half when record-signing Brenner slammed home his fifth goal of the season. The Brazilian forward caught the Revolution defense sleeping and slipped through to toe-poke past goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The comeback charge was halted when Buksa punched in his second of the evening in the 61st minute. Gustavo Bou sent the ball across the box, and Buksa's one-time finish left Przemyslaw Tyton with little chance.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: This was a strong performance from New England, who have now scored a league-leading 44 goals on the year. They continue to get it done without star midfielder Carles Gil, who remains out injured. For Cincinnati, it's a poor showing on the road. They didn't seem to show up until the second half and by then, it was too late to mount any sort of comeback.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Adam Buksa's second goal. The Polish striker ended any hope of a resurgent Cincinnati with his brace.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Tajon Buchanan. The Canadian international's opening goal set the tempo for the match, while he also played a crucial role in moving the attack forward in all four goals.
Next Up
- NE: Saturday, August 28 vs. New York City FC | 7:30 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
- CIN: Heineken Rivalry Week match: Friday, August 27 at Columbus Crew | 6:30 pm ET (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
