It appears that nothing is going to come easy for D.C. United today in Foxboro. The New England Revolution grabbed two early and controversial goals, and enter halftime with a 2-0 lead.
The first goal came as Zack Schilawski brought down the ball with his arm following a long clearance by the Revolution. While the handball may not have been intentional, it was clear and distinct to all watching, except for referee Baldomero Toledo, who allowed play to continue. Schilawski out-muscled Marc Burch and finished past Pat Onstad.
United's players had plenty of reason to complain, and they would continue doing so leading up to the second goal as well. As New England midfielder Pat Phelan attempted to chest the ball in the box, a clearance attempt by Dax McCarty struck Phelan and the ball at the same time. Phelan went down, and Toledo called a penalty, which Shalrie Joseph would finish to put the Revolution up by two.
United generated some good chances later in the half, but were unable to penetrate the Revolution defense. They are likely to turn to Charlie Davies in the second half to turn the tables.