In the sixteenth match of the MLS regular season, D.C. United drew 1-1 with the New England Revolution at Audi Field on Wednesday, May 28. The Black-and-Red earned a hard fought draw, demonstrating thei resilience and persistence in front of the hometwon faithful.
D.C. United started the match with intent, generating early opportunities through Jacob Murrell and João Peglow, who both tested New England Revolution goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič. Murrell had a good opportunity in the 17th minute when he rose over the Revolution defenders to get a headed shot on goal from a Peglow cross. Despite United's strong opening, the Revolution gradually established a foothold and began creating clear chances as the half progressed, testing D.C. United goalkeeper Luis Barraza.
New England took the lead just before halftime, with midfielder Ilay Feingold scoring in first-half stoppage time. Feingold reacted quickly to a loose ball in the penalty area, slotting home from close range to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage going into the break.
In the second half, D.C. United continued its search for an equalizer. The Black-and-Red would bring on defender David Schnegg to start the second half and continue their attack on the left side. Peglow would have an opportunity in the 57th minute firing a right footed shot off a pass from Hosei Kijima at the top of the box that went wide. Shortly thereafter, New England threatened again with a point blank shot from Tomas Chancalay in the 58th minute that was parried away by D.C. United goalkeeper Luis Barraza.
Substitutes Jared Stroud, Randall Leal, and David Schnegg each had notable attempts either blocked by defenders or saved by Ivačič, who was busy throughout the evening. The Revolution were sound defensively and maintained an organized back line throughout the match, making it difficult for the Black-and-Red. The match grew increasingly physical, leading to 26 total fouls and five yellow cards issued to players from both teams.
United's continued pressure finally paid off late in the game when Head Coach Troy Lesesne brought in Brazilian midfielder Gabirle Pirani in the 81st minute. Pirani delivered the crucial goal in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, firing a powerful left-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the top corner, bringing the match level at 1-1. D.C. United's continued intensity finally led to an equalizer after 91 minutes of play.
Goalkeeper Luis Barraza was instrumental for the Black-and-Red, recording three significant saves during the match, particularly as the Revolution pushed to regain their lead. Barraza has managed 12 saves over the past three matches for D.C. United.
With late heorics from Gabriel Pirani, the Black-and-Red were able to comeback and level the match, earning a point on a rainy day at Audi Field. D.C. United will now go on the road to face off against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, May 31 at TQL Stadium in Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
D.C. United Lineup: Luis Barraza, Lucas Bartlett, Kye Rowles, Aaron Herrera, Boris Enow, João Peglow (Gabriel Pirani 81'), Conner Antley (Randall Leal 66'), Derek Dodson (David Schnegg 46'), Brandon Servania, Hosei Kijima (Jared Stroud 73'), Jacob Murrell (Kristian Fletcher 74')
Unused Substitutes: Jordan Farr, Matti Peltola, Garrison Tubbs, Rida Zouhir
Head Coach: Troy Lesesne
New England Revolution Lineup: Aljaz Ivacic, Mamadou Fofana, Tanner Beason, Brandon Bye, Wyatt Omsberg, Thomas Chancalay (Luis Diaz 67'), Matthew Polster, Carles Gil, Ilay Feingold (Peyton Miller 67'), Alhassan Yusuf, Ignatius Ganago (Maxi Urruti 82')
Unused Substitutes: Alex Bono, Keegan Hughes, Jackson Yueill, Donovan Parisian, Eric Klein, Andrew Farrell
Head Coach: Caleb Porter
