Matt Polster’s first-half goal proved to be the winner as the New England Revolution edged the visiting Chicago Fire 1-0 on Saturday night in Foxborough, Mass.
Goalkeeper Matt Turner made six saves for the clean sheet.
With the win, the Revs (16-10-4, 52 points) improved to 5-1-9 in their last 15 matches against the Fire.
Chicago (14-10-6, 48 points) has now dropped back-to-back matches after its three-match win streak was snapped in the midweek loss to the Philadelphia Union.
Goalie Chris Brady made three saves for the Fire.
Looking for insurance, Peyton Miller had an excellent chance to put the Revolution up 2-0 from the left side of the box in the 63rd minute, but Brady blocked his left-footed strike.
Robert Lewandowski had a glorious chance to level at 1-1 in the 69th minute, but Turner saved his header in the area.
Then, in the 81st minute, Philip Zinckernagel, from just outside the box, had an excellent chance, but Turner tipped his right-footed strike over the bar.
Lewandowski had another opportunity in the 90th minute, but his header from the area went over the bar.
Chicago controlled possession in the first half, but New England had three shots on target and the lone goal to lead 1-0 after the opening 45 minutes.
Polster one-touched a through ball from Carles Gil past a diving Brady for his second goal of the season, putting the Revs up 1-0 in the 26th minute.
Chicago thought it had opened the scoring in the 12th minute, but Zinckernagel was ruled offside.
Revolution head coach Marko Mitrovic missed the match serving a suspension.
Chicago defender Jack Elliott served the first of a two-game suspension after receiving a second yellow card against the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday.
Saturday was the second and final meeting of the season between the two clubs. New England edged Chicago 2-1 on Sept. 13.
Both teams return to action next Saturday. Chicago visits Atlanta United FC while New England hosts Red Bull New York.
–Field Level Media




