Bou rescues draw for Revolution vs. Red Bulls

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:21 am

Gustavo Bou scored in the 65th minute as the New England Revolution emerged with a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night in Harrison, N.J.

Playing the ball quickly through the Red Bulls' press, Revolution midfielder Carles Gil beautifully split the New York's backline with a through ball, sending Bou in alone. From the left side of the box, Bou slotted a right-footed shot in the far corner past charging Red Bulls keeper Luis Robles.

With the goal, the table tilted, as the Revolution held more possession and began pressing the Red Bulls more in their own end. But a winning goal would prove elusive for both teams on a hot and humid night, and the two rivals split the points, further muddling the very tight Eastern Conference playoff picture.

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The draw ensures that the Red Bulls (11-10-5, 38 points) remain on pace for a 10th straight postseason appearance. The Revolution (9-9-8, 35 points) are now 0-1-2 since their 11-match unbeaten streak ended on Aug. 3.

The story of the night for New York was one of missed opportunities, especially in a first half where the Red Bulls ran rampant over the visitors.

Departing from their usual lone striker formation, the Red Bulls employed two forwards, a tactical shift which allowed them to press higher and deeper up the field.

The Red Bulls went up in the 18th minute, after a poor clearance by the Revolution's Edgar Castillo in front of goal was pounced on by Marc Rzatkowski. The central midfielder took one touch to settle the ball and then placed a left-footed half-volley from the top of the box past a helpless Matt Turner in New England's goal.

There were multiple chances for the Red Bulls to double the lead before the Revolution equalized.

Before Rzatkowski's goal, the Red Bulls nearly took the lead but for an impressive save by Turner.

Gustavo Bou
Gustavo Bou
Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

A beautiful diagonal pass from Alejandro Romero Gamarra set up Daniel Royer in front of goal, and his ensuing shot forced Turner to fully extend to the right. Royer also nearly scored in the 52nd minute, but his close shot from a tight angle was cleared out for a corner kick.

Then in search of the winning goal, Royer nearly scored again in the 68 minute, his backheel from the 6-yard box very nearly tucking inside the back post. The Red Bulls' best opportunity came in the second minute of stoppage time when Turner again came up big, turning away Bradley Wright-Phillips from just 5 yards in front of goal.

Turner finished with nine saves, as New York outshot New England 22-6, including 10-4 on goal.