MLS: New England 2 Chicago 0

3 June 2012 05:34

Benny Feilhaber and rookie Kelyn Rowe both scored as New England Revolution defeated Chicago Fire 2-0 in Major League Soccer on Saturday.

A former University of California and Washington Crossfire player, Rowe came on as a substitute in the 64th minute of the deadlocked match at Gillette Stadium, Boston.

It took him less than five minutes to break open the game, exchanging a one-two with fellow midfielder Feilhaber before scoring past Chicago goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

And barely four minutes later, Rowe returned the favour, exchanging a pass with Feilhaber which allowed the former Derby County man to net his first goal of the campaign.

Chicago had enjoyed several chances to open the scoring earlier in the match.

Defender Gonzalo Segares hit the frame of the goal with a first-half header, while Dominic Oduro also struck the woodwork, and saw an attempted chip go close.

But the Fire failed to capitalise on their early dominance, and, despite recovering more points from losing positions than any other team this season, they proved unable to mount a comeback after falling two goals behind in quick succession.

It was New England's first victory in three league matches and also the first time they have beaten Chicago in 11 meetings since May 2007.

The Revolution are sixth in the Eastern Conference, two points back from fifth-placed Chicago.