Giacomo Vrioni scored twice in the first half to lead the New England Revolution to a 2-1 win over visiting Atlanta United on Wednesday in Foxborough, Mass.
The Revolution (7-11-1, 22 points) are 5-1-0 in their last six matches, but Wednesday’s victory was a strong rebound after their 5-1 loss to the Columbus Crew on Saturday.
Atlanta United (6-9-6, 24 points) absorbed their first loss under interim coach Rob Valentino. The Five Stripes were 2-0-2 since Gonzalo Pineda was fired on June 3.
Daniel Rios connected on a header in the first minute of second-half extra time to give Atlanta United some late momentum. Rios’ goal was all Atlanta could muster despite a 20-12 shots advantage (7-5 in shots on target).
New England goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic made six saves, including a pair of impressive stops to deny Bartosz Slisz and Ajani Fortune just before halftime.
Vrioni has five goals in his last four matches, including another brace in the Revolution’s 2-1 win over FC Cincinnati on June 22. Vrioni leads New England with seven goals for the season.
In the 11th minute, DeJuan Jones’ long pass connected with Vrioni as the striker approached Atlanta’s box. Vrioni made a slick move to evade defender Derrick Williams and enter the box, then converted a quality left-footed shot to put New England ahead.
Vrioni struck again in the 45th minute, finishing a well-designed Revolution passing sequence. Noel Buck’s great cross from outside the corner of the box found Vrioni moving toward the net, and he made a jumping touch with his left foot to deposit the goal.
New England’s 20 goals are the fewest of any MLS team, but a revived attack has powered the Revolution’s recent good form. They have 11 goals in their last six matches.
Revolution captain Carles Gil didn’t play due to a lower-leg injury. Thiago Almada wasn’t in Atlanta’s lineup, as reports indicate Almada is on the verge of leaving the team as part of a transfer deal.
–Field Level Media
