The match opened with New England pressing forward down the right side. Juan Agudelo slipped past Kai Wagner and the ball landed on the foot of the Revs’ most dangerous man, Carles Gil. The captain’s couldn’t finish, but it was a hint of what was to come from the home side.
In the 12th minute, Cristian Penilla fought up the left side of the box, breaking through tackles before putting a ball across the box that flew over the head of Teal Bunbury.
Brenden Aaronson combined with Sergio Santos soon after on the left, but an arm to the face brought down the young attacker.