Fire lose opener, 1-0 to Revolution

Forward Jerry Bengtson scored in the 62nd minute, goalkeeper Matt Reis made four saves and the New England Revolution opened their season with a 1-0 victory over the Fire on Saturday night.

Bengtson headed Kelyn Rowe’s floating pass into the right side of the net midway through the 62nd minute. Rowe played the ball from the left side to the breaking Bengston, who connected from 6 yards out. Chicago goalkeeper Sean Johnson argued unsuccessfully that Bengtson was offside.

The Fire dropped to 0-2, having failed to score in 180 minutes of play. They lost their league opener to defending MLS Cup champion Los Angeles last Sunday.

Chicago’s attack was moderately effective in the first half. Its best chance came in the 31st minute, when new midfielder Dilly Duka’s shot caromed off the crossbar after Reis tipped it.

Reis earned his 62nd career shutout, and sixth over the Fire in 28 appearances.

New England won only two road matches in going 9-17-8 last year and has been out of the playoffs since 2009. This was only the Revolution’s second victory in regular season play in Toyota Park.