Saturday, March 16, 2013

McInerney keeps Revs out in the cold

By John McMullen

CHESTER, Pa - Jack McInerney's goal in the 76th minute, his fourth career marker against New England, proved to be the difference as the Union stayed unbeaten against the Revolution.

The Revs have never beaten Philadelphia in MLS play, falling to 0-5-3 all-time against the Union, who began play in the 2010 season.

Bobby Shuttleworth's first turn as the Revolution's goalkeeper in 2013 didn't change New England's luck against the Philadelphia Union at a very chilly PPL Park.

A game time temperature of 36 degrees along with a stiff breeze off the Delaware Riverfront and persistent light rain and snow greeted the Revs, who never warmed up offensively during the setback.

"We are disappointed," said New England team manager Jay Heaps. "We gave up the goal in the end. It's a tough way to lose a game. I thought we played well enough to earn a point."

Dangerous Union striker Sebastian Le Toux lofted a perfect set piece off a corner kick into the area and McInerney headed toward the net. Shuttleworth did well to fend it off but couldn't corral the rebound and McInerney was able to deposit it from point blank range.

"The conditions were tough out there," Union team manger John Hackworth said. "I'm so proud of our guys who found a way to win. Jack just finds a way it's great to see him get a second straight game-winner."

The Union dominated possession throughout and really began pressing in the second half. Philadelphia didn't muster a single corner kick in the opening 45 minutes of play but generated four in short order before the Revolution finally wilted on the last attempt.

The Rev's best chance to even it came in stoppage time when Jerry Bengtson, coming on the winning tally in Chicago during the season opener, ripped a shot from the center of the box that flew over the top left corner of the goal.

New England finished with 11 attempts on goal, six which found the target compared to nine attempts on goal by Philadelphia and three on net. The Union, however, were the far busier team.

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