Revolution can’t end skid

The Revolution’s Kevin Alston (right) tries to get a step on the Union’s Michael Lahoud. The Revolution’s Kevin Alston (right) tries to get a step on the Union’s Michael Lahoud.
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By Craig Forde Globe Correspondent

Revolution 0
Union 0

FOXBOROUGH — It’s a piece of the New England Revolution record book that no one on this team wanted a part of.

With a 0-0 draw against the Philadelphia Union Saturday night in front of 11,841 fans at Gillette Stadium, the Revolution set a team record for consecutive matches without a win, running their streak to 10 (0-7-3).

“It’s been tough,” said Revolution midfielder Kelyn Rowe. “I think the team is really getting through it. We’re always looking for the next game and right now that is Wednesday.”

The Revolution were playing without top goal scorer Saer Sene, who was lost for the season after tearing his ACL in a 3-3 tie against Chivas USA Wednesday.

“It’s a tough blow,” said Revolution coach Jay Heaps. “It’s an opportunity for others to step up, but it certainly is tough.”

Sene’s absence was evident as the Revolution were unable to get their offense in gear, stalling on nearly every possession.

The Union, who extended their winless streak to six games, put on a late first-half charge, pressuring Matt Reis, who made five saves in the half, most in the final five minutes with two threats off the foot of Amobi Okugo.

“He was our best player [tonight],” Heaps said of Reis. “He made good saves, he came off the crosses and made some plays. It wasn’t an easy night for him but he did well.”

On the opposite end, Philadelphia goalie Zac MacMath had an easy night, facing no shots on goal in the first half, handling harmless clear-ins by the Revolution who had no corner kicks.

The Union came out strong in the second half after Antoine Hoppenot slipped past the Revolution’s back line only to have Reis thwart his effort with a left-footed save to keep things scoreless.

In the 51st minute, the Union got another close-range threat when the ball popped to Hoppenot, who found Brian Carroll right in front of Reis, who made yet another spectacular save with his long reach.

Philadelphia’s Keon Daniel got off a clean corner kick during extra time, providing a bit of last-second excitement in an otherwise sleepy affair, but again, Reis (seven saves) came through by punching the ball out from the pack in front of the net.

New England finished with only three shots, but Reis’s fifth clean slate of the season helped the Revolution pick up a point.

“They were a good defense today,” said Rowe. “When we did create chances it was from getting it wide and putting the ball in the box. Going forward we’re going to create those chances again and next time we’ll finish them.”

Diego Fagundez got his second start of the season in place of Sene, but was unable to get many touches and was eventually replaced by Dimitry Imbongo in the 76th minute.

“I think one or two goals next game will be the thing that we need right now,” said Fagundez. “Some games you just have a good attack and some games you just can’t do it.”

The Revolution haven’t beaten the Union in six tries, going 0-2-4. The Revolution return to Gillette Stadium Wednesday to close out a three-game homestand against the Columbus Crew. end of story marker

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