RECAP: Revolution open 2022 MLS season with 1-0 win at Charlotte FC
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The New England Revolution (1-0-0, 3 pts.) opened the 2023 Major League Soccer season with a 1-0 win on the road against Charlotte FC (0-1-0, 0 pts.) on Saturday night. Henry Kessler notched the game winner in the 89th minute to secure New England’s first season-opening victory since 2013. Goalkeeper Djordje Petrović, a finalist for the 2022 Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and 2022 MLS Newcomer of the Year awards, made four saves en route to his eighth career MLS clean sheet in just 22 games with the Revolution.
Dave Romney and Bobby Wood, two of New England’s offseason acquisitions, made their Revolution debuts in the match. Romney, acquired in a January trade with Nashville SC, started and played the full 90 minutes. Wood, a former United States international selected by New England in the 2022 MLS Re-Entry Draft, entered the match in the 63rd minute replacing Giacomo Vrioni. Vrioni opened his second MLS campaign with the start, as did Colombian winger Dylan Borrero, who logged a team-high three shots.
Feb 25, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New England Revolution defender Henry Kessler (4) reacts with midfielder Dylan Borrero (11) after scoring the winning goal in the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Henry Kessler broke the deadlock in the 89th minute, making a run down the right flank to slot home his fourth-career goal with a right-footed shot. Kessler had a golden chance to tally in the 61st minute, heading a cross from Buck off the post. Charlotte also struck the woodwork, with Kerwin Vargas coming inches from equalizing at the death for the hosts.
Noel Buck and Damian Rivera, 17 and 20 respectively, each started Saturday’s contest, marking the first time two Homegrown Players to start a season opener for the Revolution since 2020.
New England opens the home portion of its 2023 MLS schedule on Saturday, March 4, when the Revolution welcome Houston Dynamo FC to Gillette Stadium. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. Saturday’s match can also be heard on the radio on 98.5 The Sports Hub, with Brad Feldman and Charlie Davies calling the action, and on 1260 AM Nossa Radio in Portuguese.
Click here for complete New England Revolution coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.
