Jermaine Jones slammed home the winner to give the New England Revolution (14-13-3, 45 points) a wild 3-2 victory over Sporting Kansas City (13-11-6, 45 points) in Friday's nationally televised match at Sporting Park.

Jones, who scored his first MLS goal in the 85th minute on a low drive from 30 yards, tipped the scales back in the Revolution's favor after Sporting Kansas City secured a pair of unanswered goals from Paolo Nagamura and Dom Dwyer in the 54th and 56th minute, respectively. The Revolution built a two-goal lead at the break after Kelyn Rowe opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, and Jose Goncalves added another in the 35th minute.

With the win, the Revolution overtook Sporting Kansas City for second place in the conference by holding the tiebreaker (total wins). The loss marked Sporting's third straight loss at home in league play.

What it means: It might have been a wild and at times sloppy affair for the Revolution, but nevertheless, they did what good teams do: capitalize on their chances and overcome their mistakes. First-half goals from Rowe and Goncalves showed that the Revolution weren't about to be gun-shy at a place where they hadn't yet tasted victory. But even after their defense was riddled for two goals in quick succession and looked vulnerable for stretches during the second half, the guests refused to back down. As a result, Jones was able to take center stage and score the decider late to give the Revs a bona fide statement victory at a place they'd never won, at a crucial point down the stretch.

Stat of the match: Rowe's goal was the first Revolution goal at Sporting Park in regular-season play since Rajko Lekic scored in the 38th minute of a 1-1 draw back on July 30, 2011.

Bunbury's back: Midfielder Teal Bunbury was back on the field after sitting out last week's match due to suspension. For the fifth-year veteran, Saturday's match had special meaning, as it marked his first game at Sporting Park since he was traded from Sporting Kansas City to the Revolution back in March. Bunbury spent the first four years of his career with Sporting, where he played in 89 games and scored 19 goals from 2010 to 2013.

Soares' absence forces defensive overhaul: With center back AJ Soares out due to a calf injury, Revolution coach Jay Heaps had no choice but to employ a revamped backline. While Goncalves remained as the left side center back, right back Andrew Farrell took over Soares' spot, while Kevin Alston assumed Farrell's role on the right. Out on the left, Chris Tierney earned his first start since late July, taking over for Darrius Barnes, who entered the game late for Rowe.

Sporting Park jinx no more: Friday's win snapped a five-game winless streak (0-3-2), including the postseason, for the Revolution at Sporting Park. In fact, the last time the locals beat Kansas City on the road was back on April 9, 2008.

Back to Foxborough: The Revolution will return to Gillette Stadium on Oct. 4 to host the Columbus Crew. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. The conference clash comes only two weeks after the Crew claimed a 1-0 win over the Revolution, who saw their six-game unbeaten streak snapped in the process.