A strong start to the preseason ended with a thud as the New York Red Bulls dropped a 2-0 decision to the New England Revolution. The defeat sent New York winless in their Desert Diamond Cup play (0-3-1).

With the regular season mere days away, Coach Mike Petke trotted out most of his likely starters and pushed them the full 90 minutes. Thierry Henry and Fabian Espindola once again took duties up top, with Juninho in the playmaker’s role, Izquierdo on the right and Tim Cahill and Eric Alexander playing the midfield duo. The backline once again featured Kosuke Kimura on the right hand side and Roy Miller on the left, with an interesting wrinkle coming in the middle where Digao partnered alongside Jamison Olave.

Continuing their damning trend, the Red Bulls would concede an early goal to start the match. In the 4th minute, Olave was called for an infraction in the box and Lee Nguyen put the Revolution on top with the ensuing penalty kick.

New York would respond with a flurry of their own. Miller would test Matt Reis early followed by Juninho, but an Henry blast off the post is likely the best attempt New York had this evening.

Despite their possession, the opportunistic Revolution would double their lead in the 36th minute thanks to Jerry Bengtson who put away his own rebound for the team’s second goal.

New York would continue to dominate the possession game but failed to create the chances to come back into the game. Two substitutions were made during the course of this encounter; neither featuring the trialist vying for a spot on the team. Dax McCarty, who was nursing a hamstring strain, came in for Eric Alexander in the 74th minute while newcomer Jonny Steele replaced Izquierdo in the 83rd.

The Red Bulls now face their season opener; a Sunday night clash against the Portland Timbers at Jeld-Wen Field.

Scoring Summary:
NE: Lee Nguyen 1 (penalty kick) 4’
NE: Jerry Bengtson 1 (unassisted) 36’

Disciplinary Summary:
NY: Fabian Espindola (caution) 17’
NY: Roy Miller (caution) 45’+
NE: Juan Toja (caution) 45’
NY: Tim Cahill (caution) 65’

New York Red Bulls – Luis Robles, Kosuke Kimura, Jamison Olave, Digao, Roy Miller, Eric Alexander (Dax McCarty 74’), Tim Cahill, Ruben Izquierdo (Jonny Steele 83’), Juninho, Fabian Espindola, Thierry Henry

New England Revolution – Matt Reis, Tyler Polak, Jose Goncalves, Stephen McCarthy (Bilal Duckett 46’), A.J. Soares, Lee Nguyen, Kalifa Cisse (Clyde Simms 69’), Juan Toja (Donnie Smith* 57’), Kelyn Rowe (Andy Dorman 75’), Diego Fagundez (Diego Fagundez 83’), Jerry Bengtson (Ryan Guy 83’)