Henry Kessler’s goal in the 89th minute lifted the New England Revolution to a 1-0 victory over host Charlotte FC on Saturday.
Brandon Bye got the ball along the right wing and slid a pass toward the goal that deflected off sliding defender Bill Tuiloma’s leg to Kessler, who drove it past goalie Pablo Sisniega.
Charlotte had a chance to equalize two minutes later, but Kerwin Vargas’ header off Andre Shinyashiki’s cross hit the post, enabling New England goalie Djordje Petrovic to open the season with a shutout.
The Revs had 15 shots but just five were on target, while just four of Charlotte’s 15 shots were on goal.
Charlotte had 54.3 percent of possession and completed 76.5 percent of its 412 passes. New England completed 71.6 percent of its 359 passes.
Kessler had a great chance to give the Revs the lead in the 61st minute, but his header from close range off Noel Buck’s crossing pass hit the post. The ball caromed to Dave Romney, whose header was saved by a diving Sisniega.
Charlotte didn’t have any shots on target in the first half, but the hosts had the best chance to score in the first 45 minutes.
Joseph Mora delivered a cross from the left wing into the box to Ashley Westwood, who shot it over the net in the 21st minute.
A minute later, Carles Gil found DeJuan Jones in Charlotte’s penalty area, but Jones’ shot was saved by Sisniega.
Charlotte maintained 54.7 percent of possession in the first half but mustered just two shots. It also completed 77.4 percent of its 217 first-half passes.
New England had seven shots, but just two on target. The Revs completed 75.5 percent of their 188 passes in the first half.
Charlotte travels to face St. Louis City on March 4, while New England hosts the Houston Dynamo in its home opener that day.
–Field Level Media