Revolution's Win in Philadelphia Makes Them Real Contenders

The New England Revolution beat the Philadelphia Union 2-1 in Chester, Pa., on October 24, ending a club-record 15-match unbeaten streak for the Union, the Boston Herald reported in an Associated Press account. Skeptics can call it one night in a long season. It is more than that.

Consider what the result required. Philadelphia had gone 12-0-3 under interim coach Ryan Richter since the World Cup break and had not lost since a 6-4 defeat at Inter Miami on May 24. New England won anyway, on the road, where it is now 7-7-2, and completed a season sweep after a 2-1 home win over the Union in early May. Beating the same opponent twice, in two buildings, is evidence of a matchup edge rather than luck.

The pieces are also the right ones for a playoff run. Matt Turner made six saves. Dor Turgeman scored three minutes into first-half stoppage time for his 10th goal of his first full MLS season. Carles Gil converted a penalty for his career-high 13th goal and assisted on the first, the 99th assist of his career. Peyton Miller, 18, recorded a career-high eighth assist.

At 17-10-4, with three straight wins and six in its last eight, New England has moved past Inter Miami in the chase for the Eastern Conference's second seed. That is a team worth taking seriously.

This story was first reported by Boston Herald.