The New England Revolution and D.C. United started the match off a little slow, but have since picked up the pace on Saturday night as they enter the locker rooms at halftime tied up at 1-1. Kelyn Rowe and Chris Pontius traded goals near the half-hour mark in what has been a physical, end-to-end affair.
The Revolution had the early chances, with a Lee Nguyen cross nearly finding Jerry Bengtson at the back post in the 8th minute. Ryan Guy almost converted a corner kick from Kelyn Rowe in the 22nd, but his volley was skied high.
The Revs have perhaps had the majority of the clear chances in the first half, but D.C. has nevertheless threatened apart from their goal. Branko Boskovic nearly scored in the 24th minute off of a free kick when his delivery passed through the box untouched, and only some incredible reflexes from Matt Reis kept him from putting United ahead.
After the goals were scored, the Revs threatened again. Nguyen and Alston fired wide, and Bengtson nearly headed in a corner in the 36th minute. On the D.C. side, Andy Najar unleashed a 30-yard rocket out of nowhere that Reis did well to parry and then smother on the rebound.
For more Revolution coverage, visit our team page and blog, The Bent Musket.