New England Revolution 3, Toronto FC 0 | 2017 MLS Match Recap

Josie Becker

The New England Revolution did well to help their Eastern Conference campaign, beating conference leaders Toronto FC 3-0 at home Saturday night.

With Toronto missing Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore to international duty, the Revs pressed early and it paid off with an early set piece goal. Benjamin Angoua scored his first goal in MLS, which made his performance stand out on a night when New England's new-for-2017 center back pairing was able to shut out one of MLS' most potent attacks.

Juan Agudelo, coming off the bench for a third straight game, made an immediate impact using his hold-up skills to set up Diego Faguendez for a game-clinching, second-half goal. Agudelo got a goal himself just before the final whistle as the Revs cruised to victory.

Goals

17' - NE - Benjamin Angoua Watch
66' - NE - Diego Fagundez Watch
85' - NE - Juan Agudelo Watch

Three Things

JUAN AGUDEL-YES: The Revs have used Agudelo as a sub since his last start on May 6, but against TFC, Agudelo came in looking like a player ready to start again. Fagundez's goal was created by Agudelo using his strength to hold the ball up at the top of the penalty area, and his hustle on the counter created what ended up an easy goal for him later on.
RETURN OF GIOVINCO: Although he didn't have too great of an impact, with all the absences Toronto FC will be glad about Sebastian Giovinco's return. The team's eight-match unbeaten streak did not survive without Altidore, Bradley, and Tosaint Ricketts, as well as others, but that, combined with short rest, was a tall order for any team.
JUST KEEP NGUYEN-ING: With an assist and four key passes, Lee Nguyen's play was notable against TFC -- especially in the first half. Three of the four key passes were diagonal balls into the penalty area, as Nguyen continually found space from dangerous positions behind the Toronto FC back line.