Revolution Vs. Earthquakes Final Score: New England Falls To San Jose, 1-0, In Season Opener

The New England Revolution failed to capitalize on their excellent preseason form, losing 1-0 to the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night at Buck Shaw stadium. Chris Wondolowski did all the scoring in the 15th minute in a match that saw seven players make their Revolution debuts.

Benny Feilhaber nearly opened the scoring for the Revs in the 9th minute, but his low shot flashed wide of the near post. After that it was all Quakes, and a giveaway at midfield by Shalrie Joseph resulted in a quick counterattack goal. Revolution defenders may have had a legitimate call for offside, but in the end, Wondolowski’s clinical one-on-one finish past Matt Reis counted on the scoreboard.

The Revs had some more positive play in the second half, but were unable to find the breakthrough. SuperDraft pick Tyler Polak made his debut when he replaced A.J. Soares, and then Lee Nguyen joined him for Fernando Cardenas in the 69th minute. Nguyen and fellow late substitute Ryan Guy made an impression on the New England attack late on, generating several chances and generally looking comfortable on the ball.

In the end, Feilhaber had the last and best chance of the night for the Revs in stoppage time when he collected a rebound outside the box and ripped a half-volley that swerved just wide of the left post.

New England will take their 0-1-0 record to Kansas City next weekend when they take on Sporting Kansas City at Livestrong Park.

For more New England Revolution news, visit our team page and blog, The Bent Musket.

Lee Nguyen Checks In for Debut, Replaces Cardenas

Lee Nguyen has made his Revolution debut, replacing Fernando Cardenas at 69 minutes. Khari Stephenson has also replaced Steven Lenhart for San Jose.

Let the #Nguyensanity begin.

Revolution vs. Earthquakes: Tyler Polak On For Soares In Debut

A.J. Soares has just been subbed for rookie left-back Tyler Polak. Polak was known in college as an attacking fullback, and may bring a different dimension to the left flank. Soares was playing out of position and may now be carrying an injury.

Also, it has been confirmed that Darrius Barnes picked up an injury on Friday in training, precluding his selection.

Revolution vs. Earthquakes: San Jose Takes 1-0 Lead Into Half

The San Jose Earthquakes lead the New England Revolution by a score of 1-0 at halftime in tonight’s season opener. Chris Wondolowski opened the scoring in the 15th minute when he beat Matt Reis one-on-one after a mistake in midfield by Shalrie Joseph.

The Revs haven’t looked particularly confident or hard-working so far. For all of head coach Jay Heaps’ preseason talk of focusing on possession, the Revs appear to be having difficulty with keeping the ball on the ground. Most passes have been long balls, and those that haven’t are generally cut out easily by the San Jose defenders and midfielders.

Benny Feilhaber nearly gave the Revs the lead in the 9th minute when Fernando Cardenas fed Benny Feilhaber wide on the left. The USA international cut inside, and after surveying his options, ripped a shot on goal to the near post but it skipped wide.

The Earthquakes dominated play afterwards, but New England managed one more chance in the 32nd minute when a Feilhaber free kick found the head of Soares at the near post, but his header flashed wide of the far post. Feilhaber also had a long range drive saved easily by Jon Busch in the 44th minute.

A.J. Soares took a knock on his knee in the 36th minute after getting tangled up with Quakes bruiser Steven Lenhart, but was able to return to the game.

San Jose Earthquakes Jump to 1-0 Lead Over New England Revolution

The San Jose Earthquakes have taken an early 1-0 lead through striker Chris Wondolowski.

An uncharacteristic giveaway in midfield by Shalrie Joseph resulted in a lightning-fast counterattack. Chris Wondolowski found himself all alone behind the Revolution defense, and while the despairing New England defenders called for offside, the 2010 Golden Boot winner finished coolly past Matt Reis to put the Quakes in front.

Revolution Vs. Earthquakes Lineups: New England Kicks Off Season In San Jose

Lineups are out, and there are a few surprises in the Revolution eighteen. A.J. Soares gets a surprising start at left-back, while Darrius Barnes didn’t even make the matchday squad. No news yet as to why.

Kelyn Rowe, Clyde Simms, John Lozano, Fernando Cardenas, and Blake Brettschneider are in line to make their Revolution debuts.

Revolution: Matt Reis; A.J. Soares, John Lozano, Stephen McCarthy, Kevin Alston; Benny Feilhaber, Shalrie Joseph, Clyde Simms, Kelyn Rowe; Fernando Cardenas, Blake Brettschneider

Bench: Bobby Shuttleworth, Tyler Polak, Michael Roach, Ryan Guy, Diego Fagundez, Lee Nguyen, Alec Purdie

Earthquakes: Jon Busch; Ramiro Corrales, Justin Morrow, Victor Bernardez, Stephen Beitashour; Shea Salinas, Sam Cronin, Rafael Baca, Marvin Chavez; Chris Wondolowski, Steven Lenhart

Bench: David Bingham, Khari Stephenson, Sercan Guvenisik, Simon Dawkins, Tressor Moreno, Jason Hernandez, Ike Opara

For more New England Revolution coverage, visit our team page and blog, The Bent Musket.

Revolution Vs. Earthquakes: New England Kicks Off 2012 MLS Season In San Jose

Shalrie Joseph and the New England Revolution embark upon a new year when they face the San Jose Earthquakes in the season opener at 10:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday at Buck Shaw Stadium in San Jose (TV/Radio: CSN/98.5 FM).

New England Revolution Season Preview: Revs Seeking Improvement In 2012

The New England Revolution are coming off of a year that set club records for futility. A wholesale reshuffle of the executive structure, a new head coach, and some serious housecleaning have ensured that things will be different.