Carles Gil penalty lifts New England Revolution over Atlanta United

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:07 am

Carles Gil's first goal of the season on a 53rd-minute penalty gave the New England Revolution their first-ever victory over visiting Atlanta United 2-1 on Saturday night in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Brandon Bye also headed in a goal in the first half for the Revolution. Matt Turner made five saves for New England, which had gone winless in its first seven matches (0-5-2) against Atlanta United.

"Two teams getting after it and moving the ball," Revolution coach Bruce Arena told the team television broadcast after the match. "I thought it was a great showing on our half and I'm pleased with the win."

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Marcelino Moreno scored on a 43rd-minute penalty kick for Atlanta United. Brad Guzan stopped two shots as the visitors fell to 1-7-3 in their last 10 matches away from home.

Gil's goal came with a bit of controversy after the video assistant referee called for a penalty kick after a free kick was initially awarded when Gil was taken down near the line at the top of the box.

Gil stutter-stepped on his penalty offering and left-footed it past a crossed up Guzan into the lower right corner of the net.

Bye's first of the year in the 19th minute gave New England a 1-0 lead after crashing the net and heading in a cross from Gil.

Moreno equalized late in the first half after earning a penalty kick when Bye took him down in the box. Turner guessed correctly on Moreno's penalty but couldn't stop it in the lower left corner.

Atlanta United midfielder Ezequiel Barco limped off the field in the 79th minute, leaving Atlanta United to finish the match with 10 men. Jurgen Damm also went down tracking back in the 21st minute and was replaced by George Bello.

Atlanta United hosts Philadelphia in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday before returning to league play Sunday against Inter Miami. New England is off until next Saturday when it visits Nashville SC.