Special to CSNNE.com
KENNESAW, Ga.Tommy Heinemann had a pair of goals and Bernardo Anor registered one goal and one assist as the Columbus Crew handed the New England Revolution their first loss of the exhibition season, 3-1, on Wednesday night in the first game ever played at the Atlanta Pro Soccer Challenge at Kennesaw State University Soccer Stadium.
Ilija Stolica scored for the Revs, who had opened the preseason with four consecutive wins.
Columbus wasted little time jumping out to an early 2-0 lead, scoring with each of its first two shots on target in the 16th and 17th minutes. Anor struck first for the Crew, placing a header inside the left post. The Crew doubled their advantage just seconds later when Heinemann chipped a shot over New England goalie Matt Reis and dropped it just under the crossbar.
The Crew stretched their lead to 3-0 in the 53rd minute. An extensive string of passes through midfield opened up the Revolution backline, finishing with Anor sliding a pass across the face of goal for Heinemann to tap into an empty net.
Stolica scored for the Revolution in the 62nd minute, capping a fine piece of interplay which involved Chris Tierney, Shalrie Joseph and Zack Schilawski. The final ball came from Schilawski as the second-year forward slipped a clever pass inside to Stolica, who finished high past Crew goalkeeper Alex Riggs from 12 yards out.
Left back Didier Domi returned for the Revolution after recovering fromswelling in his right knee, while fellow newcomers Franco Coria(central defense), Ryan Kinne (right midfield), Stephen McCarthy(central midfield) and A.J. Soares (central defense) maintained theirspots in the starting lineup.
The Revs will conclude the Atlanta Pro Soccer Challenge on Sunday when they battle the Houston Dynamo in both clubs final preseason match. Kickoff from KSU Soccer Stadium is set for 3 p.m. ET and will be televised live on Comcast SportsNet New England.