Special to CSNNE.com
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.Sainey Nyassi scored for the second straight game and Zack Schilawski added his first goal of the 2011 preseason as the New England Revolution defeated the Columbus Crew, 2-1, in an exhibition game here Sunday afternoon.
The Revs are now 4-0-0 in exhibition play.
Nyassi gave the Revolution a halftime lead with a deflected goal in the 43rd minute, and Schilawski doubled the advantage with an opportunistic finish in the 81st minute.
Crew forward Tom Heinemann became the first player to score against the Revolution this preseason when he broke up Bobby Shuttleworths shutout bid with a consolation goal in stoppage time.
Revolution coach Steve Nicol used every healthy field player at his disposal against the Crew, playing entirely different lineups in each half. Rookies Ryan Kinne (left midfield), Stephen McCarthy (central midfield) and A.J. Soares (central defense) all started the match, with Soares partnered by recent arrival Franco Coria in central defense. Nigerian midfielder Michael Augustine (right midfield) and trialist Otto Loewy (central defense) entered as part of the new contingent after halftime.
Unavailable because of injury were Kevin Alston (L hamstring strain), Ousmane Dabo (R quad strain), Didier Domi (R knee swelling) and Kheli Dube (R ankle sprain). Goaltender Matt Reis did not dress because he is expected to play both upcoming games this week
The Revs and Crew will meet for the second time in four days when the clubs square off in a rematch Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. at Kennesaw State University Soccer Stadium.