The New England Revolution's charge towards the MLS playoffs continued as they defeated 10-man Montreal Impact 2-1 in their clash at Gillette Stadium.
The Canadians took the lead inside 13 minutes when a lofted ball from Mahmadou Danso found Jack McInerney. The forward then released Calum Mallace, who calmly slotted home past a helpless Bobby Shuttleworth in the home side's goal.
However, Revolution were back on level terms by the 23rd minute thanks to a shot from the edge of the area by Kelyn Rowe, although keeper Troy Perkins should have done better to deny the midfielder after getting a hand to the ball.
Within moments, New England were ahead after Lee Nguyen got in behind the Montreal defence before switching onto his right foot and producing a deft chip to beat Perkins for his 14th goal of the season.
The Impact came close to an equaliser just after the break when Eric Miller struck the post with a powerful strike from the edge of the area.
Hopes of a comeback for the visitors appeared to be dashed on 62 minutes when Krzysztof Krol was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Nguyen nearly made sure of the points for Revolution when he did well to surge past a defender and lift an effort over Perkins, but his shot was cleared off the line by Miller.
Perkins kept New England at bay again minutes later when made a good reaction stop when Charlie Davies blasted a volley at goal from close range.
Montreal tried to make a late surge to find an equaliser, but the Revolution managed to hold out for the victory.
Chris O'Keefe
