Revolution Vs. Sporting Final: Teal Bunbury Sinks Revs In Punishing 1-0 Affair

The New England Revolution suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Teal Bunbury and Sporting Kansas City, who took a physical approach to nab three points out of Gillette Stadium on Saturday night.

Revolution Vs. SKC Update: Teal Bunbury Punishes New England Mistake, Kansas City Leads 1-0

The New England Revolution did not get off to the best start in their home match against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night, falling behind 1-0 in the 20th minute. A defensive error allowed Teal Bunbury to put the visitors in the lead.

Cleaning up an SKC clearance, Clyde Simms attempted to head the ball back to Stephen McCarthy, who would have had space and time to move the ball to a better spot. Simms' header was short, however, and as McCarthy attempted to corral it off the bounce, Bunbury got there first and nicked it away. After that it was a sprint in on Reis, and Bunbury was able to shape up for a low far-post shot with Matt Reis stranded all alone in the area.

Kansas City was forced into an early substitution when Bobby Convey was taken off due to injury. Former collegiate standout Soony Saad replaced him in the seventh minute.

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

Revolution Vs. SKC Lineups: Soares Out, Imbongo Starts In First Joseph-Less Match

For the first time in ten years, a New England Revolution coach looked at his team sheet before a match and didn't see Shalrie Joseph's name somewhere. While that had to have been a shock for Jay Heaps, injuries and the Olympics gave him bigger fish to fry in preparation of the Revs' match against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night.

A.J. Soares was doubtful going into the match, and his struggle to regain fitness apparently ended in failure as Darrius Barnes has been listed to the team sheet in his place. Rounding out the changes in defense is Florian Lechner, who replaces the ailing Kevin Alston. Alston, however, remains on the bench as the team's sole defensive substitute. That will be a situation to monitor in this match, as one injury will force Heaps into some very difficult decisions.

Heaps appears to be favoring a 4-4-2, although he could easily line his charges up in a 4-3-3 with the midfield and attack he has named. Clyde Simms will fill his usual defensive role, while either Benny Feilhaber or Ryan Guy could also join him deeper in midfield.

Newcomer Dimitry Imbongo will make his second appearance as a member of the Revolution, this time starting alongside Saer Sene.

Sporting Kansas City's lineup features no surprises. Former Revolution fullback Seth Sinovic will start at left-back, while Lawrence Olum starts in place of the injured Aurelien Collin.

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

Revolution Vs. Sporting: New England Looks To Close Out Season Series With A Win

The New England Revolution are looking to close out their season series with Sporting Kansas City with a win on Saturday night in Foxboro. It's the first match the Revs will play since Shalrie Joseph was traded. (TV/Radio: CSN/98.5)