Imbongo and Agudelo earn praise
September, 30, 2013
Sep 30
3:45
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Saturday’s 1-1 draw against the Houston Dynamo may not have been the result the New England Revolution had in mind, but it wasn’t for lack of effort -- especially up top.
Although the Revolution were held to one goal for the first time in nearly a month, Revolution coach Jay Heaps praised the efforts of strikers Dimitry Imbongo and Juan Agudelo after the game.
“I thought (Juan) Agudelo did an excellent job coming in,” Heaps said. “But I have to be honest with you: I thought Dimi (Imbongo) played his heart out. I thought (he) was excellent at holding the ball (and) smart play, because it didn’t take a genius to look at the field and see what was happening.”
It didn’t look like the kind of contest Imbongo would be involved in very long after he was brought down on a hard challenge by Giles Barnes about 20 seconds into the match. But Imbongo, who incidentally was ejected from the last two Revolution-Dynamo clashes, pressed on and avoided the temptation to retaliate against a side that was surely trying to bait him.
While his awareness probably could’ve been better against the Dynamo’s offside trap -- Imbongo found himself offside a game-high four times -- he nevertheless endured the punishment the Dynamo defenders dished out.
In 39th minute, his willingness to play the role of piņata nearly set the stage for a first half Revolution lead. After he was cut down by Kofi Sarkodie near the edge of the area, Lee Nguyen played the subsequent free kick quickly to Chris Tierney, who ripped a shot right off the post.
“Demi did an excellent job of holding it and keeping his head,” Heaps said. “I like that one-two combo, because once Agudelo comes in, their center backs are tired from battling Dimi and Juan Agudelo is able to really change the game.”
And that’s precisely what Aguelo did when he came on in the 62nd minute to spell Imbongo. With the attention of the Dynamo defense square on the strong 20-year-old striker, space immediately opened up for other attacking components.
Three minutes after Agudelo’s introduction, Kelyn Rowe found Nguyen, who then carried it into the box, looking for an option. He found one on his right, which is where put the ball ahead for Saer Sene, who fired it through to give the Revolution the lead in the 64th minute. Although Agudelo may not have touched the ball, it was clear that his presence in and around the area drew defenders away from Nguyen and Sene.
“He created a lot,” Revolution midfielder Scott Caldwell said of Agudelo’s performance. “He held the ball up, brought in an extra energy (and) worked hard defensively. I’m sure he makes the back line space out (and) give cover. It just takes another defender away and gives our attack more options.”
Although Houston equalized in the 76th minute from a Will Bruin goal, Agudelo gave his club two chances to equalize late, one of which nearly saw him bicycle kick his way onto the scoresheet before his effort was collected by Tally Hall in stoppage time.
Even though the Revolution fell short of getting the win, Caldwell believes that the efforts of Imbongo and Agudelo gave the Revolution a solid chance to get maximum points on Saturday.
“Dimi (Imbongo) also did a great job when he was in there,” Caldwell said. “(During) the last half hour, we definitely created stuff. We’ve just got to put that final chance away.”
Although the Revolution were held to one goal for the first time in nearly a month, Revolution coach Jay Heaps praised the efforts of strikers Dimitry Imbongo and Juan Agudelo after the game.
“I thought (Juan) Agudelo did an excellent job coming in,” Heaps said. “But I have to be honest with you: I thought Dimi (Imbongo) played his heart out. I thought (he) was excellent at holding the ball (and) smart play, because it didn’t take a genius to look at the field and see what was happening.”
It didn’t look like the kind of contest Imbongo would be involved in very long after he was brought down on a hard challenge by Giles Barnes about 20 seconds into the match. But Imbongo, who incidentally was ejected from the last two Revolution-Dynamo clashes, pressed on and avoided the temptation to retaliate against a side that was surely trying to bait him.
While his awareness probably could’ve been better against the Dynamo’s offside trap -- Imbongo found himself offside a game-high four times -- he nevertheless endured the punishment the Dynamo defenders dished out.
In 39th minute, his willingness to play the role of piņata nearly set the stage for a first half Revolution lead. After he was cut down by Kofi Sarkodie near the edge of the area, Lee Nguyen played the subsequent free kick quickly to Chris Tierney, who ripped a shot right off the post.
“Demi did an excellent job of holding it and keeping his head,” Heaps said. “I like that one-two combo, because once Agudelo comes in, their center backs are tired from battling Dimi and Juan Agudelo is able to really change the game.”
And that’s precisely what Aguelo did when he came on in the 62nd minute to spell Imbongo. With the attention of the Dynamo defense square on the strong 20-year-old striker, space immediately opened up for other attacking components.
Three minutes after Agudelo’s introduction, Kelyn Rowe found Nguyen, who then carried it into the box, looking for an option. He found one on his right, which is where put the ball ahead for Saer Sene, who fired it through to give the Revolution the lead in the 64th minute. Although Agudelo may not have touched the ball, it was clear that his presence in and around the area drew defenders away from Nguyen and Sene.
“He created a lot,” Revolution midfielder Scott Caldwell said of Agudelo’s performance. “He held the ball up, brought in an extra energy (and) worked hard defensively. I’m sure he makes the back line space out (and) give cover. It just takes another defender away and gives our attack more options.”
Although Houston equalized in the 76th minute from a Will Bruin goal, Agudelo gave his club two chances to equalize late, one of which nearly saw him bicycle kick his way onto the scoresheet before his effort was collected by Tally Hall in stoppage time.
Even though the Revolution fell short of getting the win, Caldwell believes that the efforts of Imbongo and Agudelo gave the Revolution a solid chance to get maximum points on Saturday.
“Dimi (Imbongo) also did a great job when he was in there,” Caldwell said. “(During) the last half hour, we definitely created stuff. We’ve just got to put that final chance away.”
Heaps, Revs frustrated by dogged Dynamo
September, 29, 2013
Sep 29
12:12
AM ET
By Brian O'Connell, Special to ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- To New England Revolution coach Jay Heaps, it has never been a mystery as to how the Houston Dynamo have made it to four of the past six MLS Cup finals.
As a player, Heaps experienced first-hand how the Dynamo effectively suffocated squads and squeezed points out in the process, and Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Gillette Stadium was another classic example of that stubborn approach.
“We played a tough opponent tonight. Houston’s a really good team, and they hold on,” Heaps said. “You wonder why they’ve made it to [the last] two MLS Cups in a row. They know how to grind these games out.”
The Revolution spent the better part of the week leading up to Saturday’s game preparing for Houston to make it a tough and physical battle, and that’s precisely what the Dynamo were able to do in the first half.
Both sides struggled to string together passes and create effective scoring opportunities -- which suited the guests just fine. After all, the longer the game remained level, the better off they were at frustrating their opponents, who needed maximum points to clear the red playoff line after Philadelphia overtook fifth place with a Friday night win over Sporting Kansas City.
With the passing percentages hovering around 70 percent and only one shot on target between the sides in the first half, the Revolution knew it would be a battle to get on the board.
To their credit, though, the Revolution nearly pulled the rug on the Dynamo game plan when they found their best scoring opportunity from, of all things, a set piece just outside the box. Lee Nguyen quickly tapped it short to Chris Tierney, who ripped a shot that hit the near post before Tally Hall cleared it out of danger in the 39th minute.
“We had been kind of waiting for the right opportunity in close to the 18,” Tierney said. “I thought it was in when I hit it, for sure. Credit Tally Hall, I don’t know how he kept it out. Unlucky [for us].”
More gritty play ensued in the second half, as the Revolution continued to dig for the goal they needed to have a chance to get three points. And while Dimitry Imbongo did his best to help the Revolution attack while he was on the field, the dynamic of the game visibly changed when he was subbed out for Juan Agudelo in the 62nd minute.
Agudelo wasted no time making an impact, and by drawing extra attention from Dynamo defenders, space opened up for the Revolution to create better chances.
In fact, only three minutes after Agudelo stepped onto the pitch, the Revolution capitalized when Nguyen played a ball forward to Saer Sene, whose shot from a tight angle flew past Tally Hall in the 64th minute.
“I’m used to it,” Sene said of the tough spot where he took his shot. “I work on it every day in practice and, thank God, I scored in the same situation.”
But just as the Dynamo were able to stifle New England for much of the match, they were equally up to the task in finding the equalizer.
In the 76th minute, Andrew Farrell failed to clear a dangerous ball out of the defending third, and the Dynamo pounced on the mistake when Boniek Garcia played it through to Will Bruin, who slammed it under the bar and into the net.
“It was a goal kick in the end that broke us down, so I think that was their game plan,” Tierney said. “Credit to them; they caught us out there once.”
Although the Revolution found two chances to convert from set piece opportunities, they fell short each time, as the Dynamo gladly pocketed the road point, and prevented the Revolution from ripping fourth place away from them.
“I’m proud of the guys [in] the way they played,” Heaps said. “But at the same time, we have four games left that we have to get points in. There is no question in my mind [that] it’s going to be a tough road.”
As a player, Heaps experienced first-hand how the Dynamo effectively suffocated squads and squeezed points out in the process, and Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Gillette Stadium was another classic example of that stubborn approach.
“We played a tough opponent tonight. Houston’s a really good team, and they hold on,” Heaps said. “You wonder why they’ve made it to [the last] two MLS Cups in a row. They know how to grind these games out.”
The Revolution spent the better part of the week leading up to Saturday’s game preparing for Houston to make it a tough and physical battle, and that’s precisely what the Dynamo were able to do in the first half.
Both sides struggled to string together passes and create effective scoring opportunities -- which suited the guests just fine. After all, the longer the game remained level, the better off they were at frustrating their opponents, who needed maximum points to clear the red playoff line after Philadelphia overtook fifth place with a Friday night win over Sporting Kansas City.
With the passing percentages hovering around 70 percent and only one shot on target between the sides in the first half, the Revolution knew it would be a battle to get on the board.
To their credit, though, the Revolution nearly pulled the rug on the Dynamo game plan when they found their best scoring opportunity from, of all things, a set piece just outside the box. Lee Nguyen quickly tapped it short to Chris Tierney, who ripped a shot that hit the near post before Tally Hall cleared it out of danger in the 39th minute.
“We had been kind of waiting for the right opportunity in close to the 18,” Tierney said. “I thought it was in when I hit it, for sure. Credit Tally Hall, I don’t know how he kept it out. Unlucky [for us].”
More gritty play ensued in the second half, as the Revolution continued to dig for the goal they needed to have a chance to get three points. And while Dimitry Imbongo did his best to help the Revolution attack while he was on the field, the dynamic of the game visibly changed when he was subbed out for Juan Agudelo in the 62nd minute.
Agudelo wasted no time making an impact, and by drawing extra attention from Dynamo defenders, space opened up for the Revolution to create better chances.
In fact, only three minutes after Agudelo stepped onto the pitch, the Revolution capitalized when Nguyen played a ball forward to Saer Sene, whose shot from a tight angle flew past Tally Hall in the 64th minute.
“I’m used to it,” Sene said of the tough spot where he took his shot. “I work on it every day in practice and, thank God, I scored in the same situation.”
But just as the Dynamo were able to stifle New England for much of the match, they were equally up to the task in finding the equalizer.
In the 76th minute, Andrew Farrell failed to clear a dangerous ball out of the defending third, and the Dynamo pounced on the mistake when Boniek Garcia played it through to Will Bruin, who slammed it under the bar and into the net.
“It was a goal kick in the end that broke us down, so I think that was their game plan,” Tierney said. “Credit to them; they caught us out there once.”
Although the Revolution found two chances to convert from set piece opportunities, they fell short each time, as the Dynamo gladly pocketed the road point, and prevented the Revolution from ripping fourth place away from them.
“I’m proud of the guys [in] the way they played,” Heaps said. “But at the same time, we have four games left that we have to get points in. There is no question in my mind [that] it’s going to be a tough road.”
Rapid Reaction: Revolution 1, Dynamo 1
September, 28, 2013
Sep 28
10:03
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell, Special to ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Will Bruin's late equalizer forced the New England Revolution to settle for a 1-1 draw against the Houston Dynamo in front a season-high 21, 297 on Saturday at Gillette Stadium.
Bruin scored in the 76th minute when he was given a keen ball inside the area from Boniek Garcia and easily slotted it past Matt Reis.
The Revolution opened the scoring in the 65th minute when Saer Sene grabbed a pass from Lee Nguyen inside the area and ripped a hard, left-footed shot that curled over the reach of Tally Hall.
With the draw, the Revolution (11-11-8, 41 points) missed out on a valuable chance to push themselves back inside the postseason bubble after the Union seized fifth place from them following a 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Dynamo (12-10-8, 44 points) got the road result needed they needed to stay in fourth place, two points ahead of the Union.
What it means: The Revolution’s best chance at making the postseason may have just passed them by. Hours after the Union bounced them out of the fifth spot, the need for three points became that much more important for the Revolution to keep their postseason hopes alive. After a sloppy first half from both sides, the insertion of Juan Agudelo in the 62nd minute made the Revolution attack noticeably sharper, with Saer Sene scoring not long after. But a sloppy sequence inside their own end opened the door for the Dynamo to level it, as a poor Andrew Farrell clearance set the stage for Bruin to easily beat Reis. With a pair of tough road games against third-place Montreal and first-place New York coming up, the climb may prove to be difficult to scale.
Stat of the game: With the draw, the Revolution remain winless against the Dynamo in their last three home games. The last time the Revolution beat the Dynamo at Gillette Stadium was a 1-0 win on Aug. 14, 2010.
No lineup changes: Revolution coach Jay Heaps left his lineup unchanged following last week's 2-1 win over D.C. United.
Next up: The Revolution hit the road to face the New York Red Bulls on October 5 at Red Bull Arena. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.
Bruin scored in the 76th minute when he was given a keen ball inside the area from Boniek Garcia and easily slotted it past Matt Reis.
The Revolution opened the scoring in the 65th minute when Saer Sene grabbed a pass from Lee Nguyen inside the area and ripped a hard, left-footed shot that curled over the reach of Tally Hall.
With the draw, the Revolution (11-11-8, 41 points) missed out on a valuable chance to push themselves back inside the postseason bubble after the Union seized fifth place from them following a 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Dynamo (12-10-8, 44 points) got the road result needed they needed to stay in fourth place, two points ahead of the Union.
What it means: The Revolution’s best chance at making the postseason may have just passed them by. Hours after the Union bounced them out of the fifth spot, the need for three points became that much more important for the Revolution to keep their postseason hopes alive. After a sloppy first half from both sides, the insertion of Juan Agudelo in the 62nd minute made the Revolution attack noticeably sharper, with Saer Sene scoring not long after. But a sloppy sequence inside their own end opened the door for the Dynamo to level it, as a poor Andrew Farrell clearance set the stage for Bruin to easily beat Reis. With a pair of tough road games against third-place Montreal and first-place New York coming up, the climb may prove to be difficult to scale.
Stat of the game: With the draw, the Revolution remain winless against the Dynamo in their last three home games. The last time the Revolution beat the Dynamo at Gillette Stadium was a 1-0 win on Aug. 14, 2010.
No lineup changes: Revolution coach Jay Heaps left his lineup unchanged following last week's 2-1 win over D.C. United.
Next up: The Revolution hit the road to face the New York Red Bulls on October 5 at Red Bull Arena. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.
Revs expect a fight from Dynamo
September, 27, 2013
Sep 27
11:36
AM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- It wouldn’t be a stretch to call Saturday’s Revolution game against the Houston Dynamo the biggest one the club has played in nearly half a decade.
Four autumns removed from their previous postseason appearance, the Revolution currently sit in the fifth and final postseason spot in the Eastern Conference, just one point ahead of Chicago with five games left for each team.
The Revs also trail Houston by just three points, so a win not only would keep them ahead of Chicago, but would pull them into a tie with Houston.
With the stakes as high as they’ll be going into Saturday’s contest, it’s not uncommon for these kinds of late-season clashes to turn gritty and physical. In fact, Revolution right back Andrew Farrell knows firsthand that the Dynamo, in particular, can use brute strength and intimidation to get their point across, especially against a team as young as the local XI.
“They’re a team that likes to fight,” Farrell said. “They’re not going to just lay down for you if you’re up a goal or if it’s tied late in the game. It’s going to be a battle. We’re going to have to kind of fight them first, then play the soccer second.”
That’s precisely what the Dynamo were able to do the last time they came to Gillette Stadium, back on July 13. In a game that saw the guests out-foul their hosts 15-10, the Dynamo used their size to not only frustrate the Revolution, but to win the midfield battle. Not surprisingly, veteran mettle proved to be too much to tackle for the Revolution, who dropped a disheartening 2-1 home loss.
With the scenes from the July 13 match still fresh, Revolution veteran left back Chris Tierney knows that one of the items at the top of the agenda is manning up and outmuscling the likes of Will Bruin, Ricardo Clark and Giles Barnes.
“They’re going to have chances to get balls in the box, and we’ve got to match their physicality with our own,” Tierney said. “You just try to prepare yourself mentally for the fight that it’s definitely going to be and get ready to body up with some of their big, strong guys and just go attack the ball.”
But to call the Dynamo a side that relies soley on raw strength would be inaccurate. Despite their reputation as a blue-collar club that likes to grind out results, the fact is the Dynamo have a slew of technically sound and savvy playmakers, all of whom can punish a defense along the flanks and on set pieces.
Outside midfielders Brad Davis and Boniek Garcia use their guile and speed to stretch a defense, just as they did last week when they put a 5-1 thrashing on Chivas USA in Houston. Knowing what Davis and Garcia bring to the table, Farrell says he and his teammates have to be mindful of where their marks are inside the defending third.
“It’s a lot more hard work than playing against somebody who maybe likes to stay out wide and just kind of go at you down the side as opposed to cutting back in,” Farrell said. “Boniek’s really fast and athletic, and Brad is a great player. It’s going to be a lot of hard work, and you’ve just got to follow your guys."
Centrally, the Dynamo are just as dangerous. With Warren Creavalle and Ricardo Clark manning the central midfield, and Bobby Boswell and Jermaine Taylor anchoring the defense, not to mention Bruin and Barnes up top, there’s no question the Dynamo benefit from having one of the strongest spines the league.
“They’ve got great wide players, some good athletic players through the middle of the field, too, that break up the play,” Tierney said. “Then [they have] a couple forwards who are physical and can hold up the ball, as well.”
So how do the Revolution compete with a team as strong as the Dynamo? Well, one thing they know they’ll have to do is stand their ground, even if the elbows and forearms start to fly. Not only that, but they can’t give into the temptation of retaliating, or fouling inside the defending third for that matter, lest Davis use his superior set piece abilities to help get Houston on the board.
“You try to be smart about giving away fouls in bad areas,” Tierney said. “You try to stand their players up and make sure you don’t dive in or give away needless fouls.”
It might sound like a game in which the veteran side holds the clear advantage. After all, Houston has written the book on late-season battles, having reached four MLS Cup finals in the past six years, including the past two championship tilts.
But the Revolution do have the attacking talents needed to put Houston on its heels. Diego Fagundez (11 goals, 6 assists), Kelyn Rowe (7 goals, 7 assists) and Juan Agudelo (6 goals in 9 games) all are capable of slicing through an opponent at a moment’s notice. In fact, Fagundez and Agudelo each scored en route to a surprising 2-0 victory in May in Houston, where the Dynamo had lost only once in their previous 37 home games.
Defensively, the Jay Heaps side relies upon leadership and experience with veteran goalkeeper Matt Reis, one of only two players (Tierney being the other) on the roster who was a member of the last Revolution team to make the postseason (2009). Additionally, center back Jose Goncalves organizes and guides the back line, and is never one to shy away from contact whenever an opposing player bears down.
Although a loss wouldn't eliminate the Revolution from playoff contention, the hurdles only get higher with road games at third-place Montreal and first-place New York in the coming weeks. With the race for the final two postseason berths a virtual dead heat, the Revolution’s mindset for Saturday is simple: three points or bust.
True, the stakes might be the highest they’ve been for the Revolution in recent memory. But Tierney believes the best way to approach a game such as Saturday’s is to treat it no differently than any other regular-season fixture.
“These are huge games, there’s no doubt about it,” Tierney said. “But when it comes down to it, it’s two teams out on a soccer field. Sometimes you just try not to let the moment get the best of you. You go out and play soccer like we’ve been doing our whole lives.”
Four autumns removed from their previous postseason appearance, the Revolution currently sit in the fifth and final postseason spot in the Eastern Conference, just one point ahead of Chicago with five games left for each team.
The Revs also trail Houston by just three points, so a win not only would keep them ahead of Chicago, but would pull them into a tie with Houston.
[+] Enlarge
David Butler II/USA TODAY SportsDiego Fagundez leads the Revolution with 11 goals this season.
“They’re a team that likes to fight,” Farrell said. “They’re not going to just lay down for you if you’re up a goal or if it’s tied late in the game. It’s going to be a battle. We’re going to have to kind of fight them first, then play the soccer second.”
That’s precisely what the Dynamo were able to do the last time they came to Gillette Stadium, back on July 13. In a game that saw the guests out-foul their hosts 15-10, the Dynamo used their size to not only frustrate the Revolution, but to win the midfield battle. Not surprisingly, veteran mettle proved to be too much to tackle for the Revolution, who dropped a disheartening 2-1 home loss.
With the scenes from the July 13 match still fresh, Revolution veteran left back Chris Tierney knows that one of the items at the top of the agenda is manning up and outmuscling the likes of Will Bruin, Ricardo Clark and Giles Barnes.
“They’re going to have chances to get balls in the box, and we’ve got to match their physicality with our own,” Tierney said. “You just try to prepare yourself mentally for the fight that it’s definitely going to be and get ready to body up with some of their big, strong guys and just go attack the ball.”
But to call the Dynamo a side that relies soley on raw strength would be inaccurate. Despite their reputation as a blue-collar club that likes to grind out results, the fact is the Dynamo have a slew of technically sound and savvy playmakers, all of whom can punish a defense along the flanks and on set pieces.
Outside midfielders Brad Davis and Boniek Garcia use their guile and speed to stretch a defense, just as they did last week when they put a 5-1 thrashing on Chivas USA in Houston. Knowing what Davis and Garcia bring to the table, Farrell says he and his teammates have to be mindful of where their marks are inside the defending third.
“It’s a lot more hard work than playing against somebody who maybe likes to stay out wide and just kind of go at you down the side as opposed to cutting back in,” Farrell said. “Boniek’s really fast and athletic, and Brad is a great player. It’s going to be a lot of hard work, and you’ve just got to follow your guys."
Centrally, the Dynamo are just as dangerous. With Warren Creavalle and Ricardo Clark manning the central midfield, and Bobby Boswell and Jermaine Taylor anchoring the defense, not to mention Bruin and Barnes up top, there’s no question the Dynamo benefit from having one of the strongest spines the league.
“They’ve got great wide players, some good athletic players through the middle of the field, too, that break up the play,” Tierney said. “Then [they have] a couple forwards who are physical and can hold up the ball, as well.”
So how do the Revolution compete with a team as strong as the Dynamo? Well, one thing they know they’ll have to do is stand their ground, even if the elbows and forearms start to fly. Not only that, but they can’t give into the temptation of retaliating, or fouling inside the defending third for that matter, lest Davis use his superior set piece abilities to help get Houston on the board.
“You try to be smart about giving away fouls in bad areas,” Tierney said. “You try to stand their players up and make sure you don’t dive in or give away needless fouls.”
It might sound like a game in which the veteran side holds the clear advantage. After all, Houston has written the book on late-season battles, having reached four MLS Cup finals in the past six years, including the past two championship tilts.
But the Revolution do have the attacking talents needed to put Houston on its heels. Diego Fagundez (11 goals, 6 assists), Kelyn Rowe (7 goals, 7 assists) and Juan Agudelo (6 goals in 9 games) all are capable of slicing through an opponent at a moment’s notice. In fact, Fagundez and Agudelo each scored en route to a surprising 2-0 victory in May in Houston, where the Dynamo had lost only once in their previous 37 home games.
Defensively, the Jay Heaps side relies upon leadership and experience with veteran goalkeeper Matt Reis, one of only two players (Tierney being the other) on the roster who was a member of the last Revolution team to make the postseason (2009). Additionally, center back Jose Goncalves organizes and guides the back line, and is never one to shy away from contact whenever an opposing player bears down.
Although a loss wouldn't eliminate the Revolution from playoff contention, the hurdles only get higher with road games at third-place Montreal and first-place New York in the coming weeks. With the race for the final two postseason berths a virtual dead heat, the Revolution’s mindset for Saturday is simple: three points or bust.
True, the stakes might be the highest they’ve been for the Revolution in recent memory. But Tierney believes the best way to approach a game such as Saturday’s is to treat it no differently than any other regular-season fixture.
“These are huge games, there’s no doubt about it,” Tierney said. “But when it comes down to it, it’s two teams out on a soccer field. Sometimes you just try not to let the moment get the best of you. You go out and play soccer like we’ve been doing our whole lives.”
Revs host Dynamo in fight for playoff spot
September, 26, 2013
Sep 26
12:06
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
In what promises to be an intense, hard-fought affair between a pair of teams separated by only three points, the New England Revolution (11-11-7, 40 points) will host the Houston Dynamo (12-10-7, 43 points) at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Gillette Stadium.
It will mark the third and final time the Revolution and Dynamo will face each other during the regular season. The clubs have split the series 1-1 so far, with the Revolution winning 2-0 in Houston on May 18, and the Dynamo earning a 2-1 win in Foxborough on July 13.
Both clubs enter Saturday's clash fresh off wins over struggling teams. Last week, the Dynamo thrashed Western Conference bottom feeder Chivas USA 5-1 in Houston, while the Revolution staked a 2-1 win over Eastern Conference cellar-dweller D.C. United in Foxborough.
REVS NOTES:
* Saturday's match is the penultimate regular-season home game for the Revolution. They'll finish up the home portion of the schedule on Oct. 19 when the Columbus Crew come to town.
* Since the July 13 Revolution-Dynamo match, the local XI has only two clean sheets in their last 12 games. Prior to that contest, the Revolution collected 10 clean sheets during their first 17 games. Interestingly, the Revolution’s 12 shutouts this season is still tops in MLS.
* The Dynamo will trek into Gillette Stadium on the heels of a 2-0 CONCACAF Champions League group stage win over W Connection (Trinidad & Tobago) at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston on Wednesday.
* One player the Revolution won't have to worry about on Saturday is Adam Moffat, who was traded to Seattle for Servando Carrasco and a second-round pick on Sept. 13. Moffat scored twice in the Dynamo's 2-1 win on July 13.
* The Revolution haven't beaten the Dynamo at Gillette Stadium since Aug. 14, 2010, when Ilija Stolica scored the game-winner in the 62nd minute to give the hosts a 1-0 win.
* If the season were to end today, the fifth-place Revolution and fourth-place Dynamo would play a one-game wild-card match in Houston.
* Speaking of the postseason, the Revolution currently have a 50.3 percent at making the playoffs according to sportsclubstats.com.
* They said it: “I don’t think (Lee Nguyen) would have let anyone taken that PK. I think we all asked for it, but I’m glad he took it again, and definitely got that goal.” – Revolution midfielder Diego Fagundez on the “discussion” between Nguyen and his teammates prior to Nguyen’s second penalty try against D.C. in the 83rd minute on Saturday. Nguyen had his first try saved by Bill Hamid in the 57th minute.
It will mark the third and final time the Revolution and Dynamo will face each other during the regular season. The clubs have split the series 1-1 so far, with the Revolution winning 2-0 in Houston on May 18, and the Dynamo earning a 2-1 win in Foxborough on July 13.
Both clubs enter Saturday's clash fresh off wins over struggling teams. Last week, the Dynamo thrashed Western Conference bottom feeder Chivas USA 5-1 in Houston, while the Revolution staked a 2-1 win over Eastern Conference cellar-dweller D.C. United in Foxborough.
REVS NOTES:
* Saturday's match is the penultimate regular-season home game for the Revolution. They'll finish up the home portion of the schedule on Oct. 19 when the Columbus Crew come to town.
* Since the July 13 Revolution-Dynamo match, the local XI has only two clean sheets in their last 12 games. Prior to that contest, the Revolution collected 10 clean sheets during their first 17 games. Interestingly, the Revolution’s 12 shutouts this season is still tops in MLS.
* The Dynamo will trek into Gillette Stadium on the heels of a 2-0 CONCACAF Champions League group stage win over W Connection (Trinidad & Tobago) at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston on Wednesday.
* One player the Revolution won't have to worry about on Saturday is Adam Moffat, who was traded to Seattle for Servando Carrasco and a second-round pick on Sept. 13. Moffat scored twice in the Dynamo's 2-1 win on July 13.
* The Revolution haven't beaten the Dynamo at Gillette Stadium since Aug. 14, 2010, when Ilija Stolica scored the game-winner in the 62nd minute to give the hosts a 1-0 win.
* If the season were to end today, the fifth-place Revolution and fourth-place Dynamo would play a one-game wild-card match in Houston.
* Speaking of the postseason, the Revolution currently have a 50.3 percent at making the playoffs according to sportsclubstats.com.
* They said it: “I don’t think (Lee Nguyen) would have let anyone taken that PK. I think we all asked for it, but I’m glad he took it again, and definitely got that goal.” – Revolution midfielder Diego Fagundez on the “discussion” between Nguyen and his teammates prior to Nguyen’s second penalty try against D.C. in the 83rd minute on Saturday. Nguyen had his first try saved by Bill Hamid in the 57th minute.
Caldwell makes up for rookie mistake
September, 23, 2013
Sep 23
12:12
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- For someone who’s made the right play so often this season, it didn’t seem fair that rookie Scott Caldwell was cast into the spotlight for an uncharacteristic mistake during Saturday’s 2-1 Revolution win over D.C. United.
In the 11th minute, Caldwell accidentally punched a Luis Silva cross into his own net to give last-place D.C. United -- who entered Saturday’s contest with only four road goals this season -- a shocking early lead.
“At the last second, I saw Matt (Reis) was coming (toward the ball),” Caldwell said. “I just really didn’t have time to react and let go. I still thought I could’ve won the ball, but I misplayed it. I couldn’t do anything about it.”
But instead of reflecting upon his misfortune, the 22-year-old holding midfielder looked for any and every opportunity to put it behind him.
“I just tried to get on the ball as much as possible and forget about it,” Caldwell said. “I tried to get another quick touch in, complete a couple of passes just to get my mind off of it, and move on to the next play.”
And that’s exactly what Caldwell did as the game progressed. He shook off his early error and went on to complete 37 of his 43 passes (86 percent), and recorded 11 recoveries, the most among Revolution midfielders on Saturday.
As the Revolution searched for the equalizer and game-winner in the second half, Caldwell continued to make smart passes to teammates and facilitate the attack. It was the Scott Caldwell that the Revolution had so often relied upon to help grease the wheels when New England had possession.
“Here’s a kid who we’ve asked so much from this year and every day, whether it’s training or in the game, (he) steps on the field and performs,” Revolution coach Jay Heaps said. “And tonight, I thought he was instrumental in the second half.”
Not that Heaps -- who reminded the media that he, too, was guilty of a few own goals during his playing days -- was surprised by the way his rookie midfielder responded after the error gave the guests the early advantage.
“Own goals happen,” Heaps said. “Own goals mean you’re defending, and he’s trying to let down the play. No one wants to put it in ... I knew he was going to handle it well.”
After the game, Caldwell had no qualms discussing his mistake. He accepted the blame, and even took some lighthearted ribbing from his teammates about scoring his “first” professional goal all in stride.
But, as he is often wont to do, Caldwell was quick to praise his teammates’ efforts. He credited them, and the collective spirit behind the comeback win, which put the Revolution back into the fifth and final postseason spot in the East.
“We had to win the game or else we’d drop further back. From here on out, every game is a must-win,” Caldwell said. “We have to play to win every game and get as many points as possible.”
In the 11th minute, Caldwell accidentally punched a Luis Silva cross into his own net to give last-place D.C. United -- who entered Saturday’s contest with only four road goals this season -- a shocking early lead.
“At the last second, I saw Matt (Reis) was coming (toward the ball),” Caldwell said. “I just really didn’t have time to react and let go. I still thought I could’ve won the ball, but I misplayed it. I couldn’t do anything about it.”
But instead of reflecting upon his misfortune, the 22-year-old holding midfielder looked for any and every opportunity to put it behind him.
“I just tried to get on the ball as much as possible and forget about it,” Caldwell said. “I tried to get another quick touch in, complete a couple of passes just to get my mind off of it, and move on to the next play.”
And that’s exactly what Caldwell did as the game progressed. He shook off his early error and went on to complete 37 of his 43 passes (86 percent), and recorded 11 recoveries, the most among Revolution midfielders on Saturday.
As the Revolution searched for the equalizer and game-winner in the second half, Caldwell continued to make smart passes to teammates and facilitate the attack. It was the Scott Caldwell that the Revolution had so often relied upon to help grease the wheels when New England had possession.
“Here’s a kid who we’ve asked so much from this year and every day, whether it’s training or in the game, (he) steps on the field and performs,” Revolution coach Jay Heaps said. “And tonight, I thought he was instrumental in the second half.”
Not that Heaps -- who reminded the media that he, too, was guilty of a few own goals during his playing days -- was surprised by the way his rookie midfielder responded after the error gave the guests the early advantage.
“Own goals happen,” Heaps said. “Own goals mean you’re defending, and he’s trying to let down the play. No one wants to put it in ... I knew he was going to handle it well.”
After the game, Caldwell had no qualms discussing his mistake. He accepted the blame, and even took some lighthearted ribbing from his teammates about scoring his “first” professional goal all in stride.
But, as he is often wont to do, Caldwell was quick to praise his teammates’ efforts. He credited them, and the collective spirit behind the comeback win, which put the Revolution back into the fifth and final postseason spot in the East.
“We had to win the game or else we’d drop further back. From here on out, every game is a must-win,” Caldwell said. “We have to play to win every game and get as many points as possible.”
Nguyen nets redemption to cap Revs' rally
September, 22, 2013
Sep 22
12:41
AM ET
By Brian O'Connell, Special to ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Lee Nguyen wanted another crack from the spot in the worst way.
Twenty-six minutes after watching Bill Hamid coolly cradle his first penalty attempt, Nguyen craved nothing more than to make it a distant memory when he stepped up and scored the game-winner to send the Revolution to a 2-1 comeback win over D.C. United on Saturday.
"I needed to redeem myself after that first one," Nguyen said. "But my teammates had my back, and the coaching staff had my back, and you're always going to be confident when they have your back like that."
It was a night in which the Revolution certainly needed to stay confident in one another, and what transpired in the opening minutes was proof positive of that.
In the 11th minute, Luis Silva played a low cross into the area, where Scott Caldwell attempted to clear it out of danger. But instead of sending it away from frame, Caldwell's ball rolled into the back of the net to give the guests a surprising early lead.
"It's obviously devastating that it happened that early in the game, or any point in the game," Caldwell said. "But the way my teammates picked me up and responded so quickly, the way we played out the rest of the half, and the rest of the game in general, was huge."
The Revolution wasted no time trying to get back on level terms. In the 24th minute, Andrew Farrell sent a long ball ahead for Dimitry Imbongo, who slipped through a pair of D.C. defenders before firing a shot that glided wide of the post.
Another opportunity arrived in the 36th minute, when Kelyn Rowe, who entered Saturday's game with five goals in his last five games, fired one of his patented, long-distance shots from 20 yards that just missed its intended target. Rowe sent another bid from distance minutes before the half, but once again, his shot veered away from frame.
Although the Revolution weren't able to find the board before the interval, Revolution coach Jay Heaps was nevertheless encouraged by what he saw from his players during the first half.
"We had a good conversation at halftime," Heaps said. "And in the second half, we really took the game and created a lot chances."
The first chance they found after halftime came in the 57th minute, after Nguyen was brought down by Dejan Jakovic inside the right edge of the area and referee Carlos Rivera pointed to the spot. But when Nguyen promptly sent it right to a diving Hamid, it seemed as if a Revolution victory simply wasn't meant to be.
"I was planning on going to that side and he read it early," Nguyen said. "And right in my mind, (during) my half-swing, I was like, '(Darn).' I couldn't change it in time, but credit to him. He made a great first save."
But before the hosts could reflect on their poor fortune, they responded with a flourish. A minute after Nguyen's miss, Saer Sene led Diego Fagundez with a long through ball into D.C.'s defending third. Fagundez beat a pair of defenders, then slipped it past Hamid to get the goal they'd longed to score.
"It was very important," Heaps said of the 58th-minute goal. "For our guys to stay up and react well, I liked that a lot."
Needing another strike to avoid a humbling draw -- not to mention a devastating blow to their postseason hopes -- the Revolution attacked at will, as D.C. dropped back in the hopes of squeezing out a road point.
The thought of a road point nearly turned into three in the 81st minute, when Conor Doyle chipped a shot over the reach of Matt Reis. But without the power needed to send it clean into the net, Reis raced back to swat it away before it crossed the line.
Less than a minute later, though, the Revolution picked themselves right back up after Nguyen was fouled inside the area again. And there was no question who was going to take it after Rivera pointed to the spot for the second time.
"It was just great to have the confidence from my teammates and the coaching staff," Nguyen said. "That's all I needed and after that (earlier miss)."
Twenty-six minutes after watching Bill Hamid coolly cradle his first penalty attempt, Nguyen craved nothing more than to make it a distant memory when he stepped up and scored the game-winner to send the Revolution to a 2-1 comeback win over D.C. United on Saturday.
"I needed to redeem myself after that first one," Nguyen said. "But my teammates had my back, and the coaching staff had my back, and you're always going to be confident when they have your back like that."
[+] Enlarge
Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY SportsDiego Fagundez and Saer Sene celebrate after a goal against D.C. United.
In the 11th minute, Luis Silva played a low cross into the area, where Scott Caldwell attempted to clear it out of danger. But instead of sending it away from frame, Caldwell's ball rolled into the back of the net to give the guests a surprising early lead.
"It's obviously devastating that it happened that early in the game, or any point in the game," Caldwell said. "But the way my teammates picked me up and responded so quickly, the way we played out the rest of the half, and the rest of the game in general, was huge."
The Revolution wasted no time trying to get back on level terms. In the 24th minute, Andrew Farrell sent a long ball ahead for Dimitry Imbongo, who slipped through a pair of D.C. defenders before firing a shot that glided wide of the post.
Another opportunity arrived in the 36th minute, when Kelyn Rowe, who entered Saturday's game with five goals in his last five games, fired one of his patented, long-distance shots from 20 yards that just missed its intended target. Rowe sent another bid from distance minutes before the half, but once again, his shot veered away from frame.
Although the Revolution weren't able to find the board before the interval, Revolution coach Jay Heaps was nevertheless encouraged by what he saw from his players during the first half.
"We had a good conversation at halftime," Heaps said. "And in the second half, we really took the game and created a lot chances."
The first chance they found after halftime came in the 57th minute, after Nguyen was brought down by Dejan Jakovic inside the right edge of the area and referee Carlos Rivera pointed to the spot. But when Nguyen promptly sent it right to a diving Hamid, it seemed as if a Revolution victory simply wasn't meant to be.
"I was planning on going to that side and he read it early," Nguyen said. "And right in my mind, (during) my half-swing, I was like, '(Darn).' I couldn't change it in time, but credit to him. He made a great first save."
But before the hosts could reflect on their poor fortune, they responded with a flourish. A minute after Nguyen's miss, Saer Sene led Diego Fagundez with a long through ball into D.C.'s defending third. Fagundez beat a pair of defenders, then slipped it past Hamid to get the goal they'd longed to score.
"It was very important," Heaps said of the 58th-minute goal. "For our guys to stay up and react well, I liked that a lot."
Needing another strike to avoid a humbling draw -- not to mention a devastating blow to their postseason hopes -- the Revolution attacked at will, as D.C. dropped back in the hopes of squeezing out a road point.
The thought of a road point nearly turned into three in the 81st minute, when Conor Doyle chipped a shot over the reach of Matt Reis. But without the power needed to send it clean into the net, Reis raced back to swat it away before it crossed the line.
Less than a minute later, though, the Revolution picked themselves right back up after Nguyen was fouled inside the area again. And there was no question who was going to take it after Rivera pointed to the spot for the second time.
"It was just great to have the confidence from my teammates and the coaching staff," Nguyen said. "That's all I needed and after that (earlier miss)."
Rapid Reaction: Revolution 2, United 1
September, 21, 2013
Sep 21
10:07
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell, Special to ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Lee Nguyen wasn’t going to miss twice from the spot on the same night.
Nguyen, who saw his first penalty try stopped by Bill Hamid in the 57th minute, converted on his second opportunity in the 83rd minute to steer the New England Revolution (11-11-7, 40 points) to a much-needed 2-1 win over D.C. United (3-20-6, 15 points) on Saturday at Gillette Stadium.
The Revolution grabbed their first goal from Diego Fagundez, who beat the D.C. backline and buried a Saer Sene through ball in the 58th minute, only moments after Nguyen’s miss.
D.C. grabbed its only goal of the game when Luis Silva sent a cross inside that Scott Caldwell inadvertently knocked into the back of his own net in the 11th minute.
With the win, the Revolution snapped their three-game winless streak and jumped back into the fifth spot, pending the final score of Saturday’s Houston-Columbus game. Meanwhile, D.C. saw their winless streak reach seven (0-4-3).
What it means: It was a game that hardly looked promising for the Revolution in the early stages. Scott Caldwell’s own goal gave D.C. United the lead going into the half, and after Nguyen missed from the spot in the 58th minute, it looked like the Revolution were doomed against a plucky D.C. side. Then, the game turned on a dime when Fagundez, who looked offside when Sene played him a picture-pretty through ball, equalized it a minute later. D.C. nearly struck back late when Conor Doyle chipped Matt Reis, who quickly raced back to deny it, setting the stage for Nguyen to claim a measure of redemption after he was fouled inside the area again. This time, though, Nguyen slotted it through, and the Revolution kept their postseason ambitions alive in a game that was much closer than they would’ve liked.
Stat of the game: Prior to Saturday’s game, the Revolution had been awarded only one penalty try all season, which came in a May 2 contest against Real Salt Lake. Incidentally, that try -- which came from Saer Sene -- was also saved.
Agudelo unavailable: Striker Juan Agudelo, who was listed as questionable with a right hamstring strain, was not among the game-day 18 for the Revolution on Saturday. Agudelo was limited to 29 minutes in last week’s game in Chicago.
McCarthy out, Soares in at center back: AJ Soares reclaimed the spot next to Jose Goncalves after he was dropped from the lineup in favor of Stephen McCarthy last week in Chicago.
Reis returns from suspension: After serving his red card suspension during last week’s game at Chicago, Matt Reis resumed the starting goalkeeping duties against D.C. Reis was red carded in the fifth minute of the Revolution’s Sept. 8 game against Montreal for fouling Marco Di Vaio inside the box. Prior to Saturday, Reis’ lone appearance against D.C. this season was a June 26 U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal clash, which the Revolution lost 3-1.
Next up: The Revolution will remain at home next weekend to host the Houston Dynamo on Saturday, Sept. 28. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Nguyen, who saw his first penalty try stopped by Bill Hamid in the 57th minute, converted on his second opportunity in the 83rd minute to steer the New England Revolution (11-11-7, 40 points) to a much-needed 2-1 win over D.C. United (3-20-6, 15 points) on Saturday at Gillette Stadium.
The Revolution grabbed their first goal from Diego Fagundez, who beat the D.C. backline and buried a Saer Sene through ball in the 58th minute, only moments after Nguyen’s miss.
D.C. grabbed its only goal of the game when Luis Silva sent a cross inside that Scott Caldwell inadvertently knocked into the back of his own net in the 11th minute.
With the win, the Revolution snapped their three-game winless streak and jumped back into the fifth spot, pending the final score of Saturday’s Houston-Columbus game. Meanwhile, D.C. saw their winless streak reach seven (0-4-3).
What it means: It was a game that hardly looked promising for the Revolution in the early stages. Scott Caldwell’s own goal gave D.C. United the lead going into the half, and after Nguyen missed from the spot in the 58th minute, it looked like the Revolution were doomed against a plucky D.C. side. Then, the game turned on a dime when Fagundez, who looked offside when Sene played him a picture-pretty through ball, equalized it a minute later. D.C. nearly struck back late when Conor Doyle chipped Matt Reis, who quickly raced back to deny it, setting the stage for Nguyen to claim a measure of redemption after he was fouled inside the area again. This time, though, Nguyen slotted it through, and the Revolution kept their postseason ambitions alive in a game that was much closer than they would’ve liked.
Stat of the game: Prior to Saturday’s game, the Revolution had been awarded only one penalty try all season, which came in a May 2 contest against Real Salt Lake. Incidentally, that try -- which came from Saer Sene -- was also saved.
Agudelo unavailable: Striker Juan Agudelo, who was listed as questionable with a right hamstring strain, was not among the game-day 18 for the Revolution on Saturday. Agudelo was limited to 29 minutes in last week’s game in Chicago.
McCarthy out, Soares in at center back: AJ Soares reclaimed the spot next to Jose Goncalves after he was dropped from the lineup in favor of Stephen McCarthy last week in Chicago.
Reis returns from suspension: After serving his red card suspension during last week’s game at Chicago, Matt Reis resumed the starting goalkeeping duties against D.C. Reis was red carded in the fifth minute of the Revolution’s Sept. 8 game against Montreal for fouling Marco Di Vaio inside the box. Prior to Saturday, Reis’ lone appearance against D.C. this season was a June 26 U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal clash, which the Revolution lost 3-1.
Next up: The Revolution will remain at home next weekend to host the Houston Dynamo on Saturday, Sept. 28. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Revs know last-place rival is dangerous
September, 20, 2013
Sep 20
5:31
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- All it takes is one mistake to turn a win into a draw, or a draw into a loss, which is why the New England Revolution (10-11-7, 37 points) aren’t taking Saturday’s clash against D.C. United (3-19-6, 15 points) lightly.
Although last-place D.C. is en route to one of its worst finishes in franchise history, Revolution coach Jay Heaps is paying no heed to their record. Rather, he sees a team that’s capable of making his club pay for its mistakes.
“I'm looking at what they bring to the game,” Heaps said. “Quite frankly, after watching the film on D.C. against Chivas USA and against Los Angeles, they moved the ball really well and dominated for (much) of the game.”
D.C. may have moved the ball well in their last two matches, but it wasn’t enough to snap their current winless run, which currently stands at six straight (0-4-2). Even so, D.C. does pose a certain danger to clubs like the Revolution, who are attempting to put together a postseason run.
With little on the line, D.C. will no doubt look for any and every way to make it difficult for their conference rivals, much like they did in a 0-0 draw back on June 8. And even though the Revolution grabbed a 2-1 win at D.C. on July 27, they had to dig their way out of an early deficit to get the result.
“(D.C.) wants to come in and spoil our fun, and (they’re) a rival,” Revolution midfielder Kelyn Rowe said. “So it's going to be a big game no matter who's in the run or not. They're a good team that hasn't had a good season, so we have to punish them early and not let the throttle down.”
Last week in Chicago, the Revolution succeeded at doling out punishment early. Rowe scored the opening goal in the ninth minute, and it looked like the guests would get a much-needed win. But staying on the throttle proved to be their biggest problem. In the second half, the Fire mounted a comeback and pulled off a 3-2 win to knock the Revolution out of the fifth and final playoff spot. The loss marked the club’s second straight, with a surprisingly porous team defense seen as the culprit.
“We’re disappointed in that,” Heaps said. “I think (giving up) seven goals over two games isn’t good enough, whether we have 10 men or not. We want to be tighter defensively, we want to be smarter defensively, and a little bit more proactive defensively and not so much reactive.”
To avoid a repeat of last week’s loss in Chicago -- or their 4-2 loss to Montreal on Sept. 7, for that matter -- Rowe believes it’s going to take a renewed emphasis on dropping back and plugging the holes when they don’t have possession.
“It’s 11 guys on the field defending,” Rowe said. “If you’re far up the field, you don’t want (to give up) an easy ball over the top and it’s nothing that the center backs want. You’re going to get an earful if it happens.”
The best way for Rowe and his fellow midfielders to avoid getting an earful from the defenders is simple. Every player on the pitch must fulfill their defensive obligations, even against a cellar-dweller like D.C.
“It’s not just 4-5 in the back and the goalie,” Rowe said. “It’s everyone. We have to make sure we’re behind the ball and putting pressure on the ball.”
Although last-place D.C. is en route to one of its worst finishes in franchise history, Revolution coach Jay Heaps is paying no heed to their record. Rather, he sees a team that’s capable of making his club pay for its mistakes.
“I'm looking at what they bring to the game,” Heaps said. “Quite frankly, after watching the film on D.C. against Chivas USA and against Los Angeles, they moved the ball really well and dominated for (much) of the game.”
D.C. may have moved the ball well in their last two matches, but it wasn’t enough to snap their current winless run, which currently stands at six straight (0-4-2). Even so, D.C. does pose a certain danger to clubs like the Revolution, who are attempting to put together a postseason run.
With little on the line, D.C. will no doubt look for any and every way to make it difficult for their conference rivals, much like they did in a 0-0 draw back on June 8. And even though the Revolution grabbed a 2-1 win at D.C. on July 27, they had to dig their way out of an early deficit to get the result.
“(D.C.) wants to come in and spoil our fun, and (they’re) a rival,” Revolution midfielder Kelyn Rowe said. “So it's going to be a big game no matter who's in the run or not. They're a good team that hasn't had a good season, so we have to punish them early and not let the throttle down.”
Last week in Chicago, the Revolution succeeded at doling out punishment early. Rowe scored the opening goal in the ninth minute, and it looked like the guests would get a much-needed win. But staying on the throttle proved to be their biggest problem. In the second half, the Fire mounted a comeback and pulled off a 3-2 win to knock the Revolution out of the fifth and final playoff spot. The loss marked the club’s second straight, with a surprisingly porous team defense seen as the culprit.
“We’re disappointed in that,” Heaps said. “I think (giving up) seven goals over two games isn’t good enough, whether we have 10 men or not. We want to be tighter defensively, we want to be smarter defensively, and a little bit more proactive defensively and not so much reactive.”
To avoid a repeat of last week’s loss in Chicago -- or their 4-2 loss to Montreal on Sept. 7, for that matter -- Rowe believes it’s going to take a renewed emphasis on dropping back and plugging the holes when they don’t have possession.
“It’s 11 guys on the field defending,” Rowe said. “If you’re far up the field, you don’t want (to give up) an easy ball over the top and it’s nothing that the center backs want. You’re going to get an earful if it happens.”
The best way for Rowe and his fellow midfielders to avoid getting an earful from the defenders is simple. Every player on the pitch must fulfill their defensive obligations, even against a cellar-dweller like D.C.
“It’s not just 4-5 in the back and the goalie,” Rowe said. “It’s everyone. We have to make sure we’re behind the ball and putting pressure on the ball.”
Revs need to make more plays
September, 19, 2013
Sep 19
3:50
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The way Revolution coach Jay Heaps sees it, his team’s recent defensive woes aren’t just confined to the back line.
Despite conceding the fewest goals in the league at the midway point of the season (14 through the first 17 games), the Revolution haven’t been nearly as sharp in recent weeks (eight goals allowed in their last three), with Saturday’s 3-2 loss at Chicago serving as the latest reminder of that.
“Put it this way: all 11 players were in a position to make plays on, quite frankly, all three goals,” Heaps said. “So we need to make plays -- not just center backs or outside backs. Forwards need to defend, midfielders and keepers (too), so there are 11 guys on the field that can make a play.”
Heaps isn’t alone in that belief, either. Revolution center back Jose Goncalves also believes that the Revolution, as a group, must to make it more difficult for the opposition to find the back of the net.
“It’s team defending and team attacking,” Goncalves said. “I cannot (name) names and say he defends very badly. We were losing balls (in Chicago) and we have to get faster back behind the ball and we didn’t (then). From the first striker to the goalkeeper, we have to watch our back and protect every teammate so that’s the work everyone has to do.”
Heaps admits that the recent changes in the rear -- specifically at center back and goalkeeper -- haven’t gone as smoothly as anticipated, but hopes that the situation is temporary.
“I think we’re starting to get to the point now where we need to find that chemistry again,” Heaps said. “I think that’s what we were doing so well (earlier this season).”
WHAT SOPHOMORE SLUMP?
While the Revolution try to figure out ways to strengthen itself defensively, the offense has picked up some of the slack, thanks in part to the efforts of sophomore midfielder Kelyn Rowe.
In his last five, Rowe’s collected five goals and an assist, along with Player of the Week honors following his two-goal performance against the Fire on August 30.
So what’s been the difference between his rookie and sophomore season?
“I think it has a lot (to do with) not hitting that (rookie) wall,” Rowe said. “I’ve taken care of my body a lot more and not going full-blow every day, as hard as I can, in practice so I can have the legs in the game, as well as the confidence.”
Heaps, who along with General Manager Michael Burns, scouted and drafted Rowe with the third overall pick in last year’s SuperDraft, said he hasn’t been surprised by the success achieved by his second-year midfielder.
“This is the Kelyn Rowe that we see most times in training,” Heaps said. “I think you’re seeing the glimpses in games, and those finishes, for me, are all (a) bonus. And this is just the beginning of who we think Kelyn Rowe is going to be.”
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
It’s not always easy for a player to join a new team late in the season, but that’s the challenge posed to newcomer O’Brian Woodbine, who signed with the Revolution earlier this month.
Even though the Jamaican International would like nothing more than to become a major part of the team’s playoff push, Woodbine is realistic about his chances of cracking the lineup, especially as it tries to rediscover its early-season form.
“It’s going to be difficult to jump into the starting team,” Woodbine said. “But I’ll just work my way through the process because it’s going to take time.”
Despite conceding the fewest goals in the league at the midway point of the season (14 through the first 17 games), the Revolution haven’t been nearly as sharp in recent weeks (eight goals allowed in their last three), with Saturday’s 3-2 loss at Chicago serving as the latest reminder of that.
“Put it this way: all 11 players were in a position to make plays on, quite frankly, all three goals,” Heaps said. “So we need to make plays -- not just center backs or outside backs. Forwards need to defend, midfielders and keepers (too), so there are 11 guys on the field that can make a play.”
Heaps isn’t alone in that belief, either. Revolution center back Jose Goncalves also believes that the Revolution, as a group, must to make it more difficult for the opposition to find the back of the net.
“It’s team defending and team attacking,” Goncalves said. “I cannot (name) names and say he defends very badly. We were losing balls (in Chicago) and we have to get faster back behind the ball and we didn’t (then). From the first striker to the goalkeeper, we have to watch our back and protect every teammate so that’s the work everyone has to do.”
Heaps admits that the recent changes in the rear -- specifically at center back and goalkeeper -- haven’t gone as smoothly as anticipated, but hopes that the situation is temporary.
“I think we’re starting to get to the point now where we need to find that chemistry again,” Heaps said. “I think that’s what we were doing so well (earlier this season).”
WHAT SOPHOMORE SLUMP?
While the Revolution try to figure out ways to strengthen itself defensively, the offense has picked up some of the slack, thanks in part to the efforts of sophomore midfielder Kelyn Rowe.
In his last five, Rowe’s collected five goals and an assist, along with Player of the Week honors following his two-goal performance against the Fire on August 30.
So what’s been the difference between his rookie and sophomore season?
“I think it has a lot (to do with) not hitting that (rookie) wall,” Rowe said. “I’ve taken care of my body a lot more and not going full-blow every day, as hard as I can, in practice so I can have the legs in the game, as well as the confidence.”
Heaps, who along with General Manager Michael Burns, scouted and drafted Rowe with the third overall pick in last year’s SuperDraft, said he hasn’t been surprised by the success achieved by his second-year midfielder.
“This is the Kelyn Rowe that we see most times in training,” Heaps said. “I think you’re seeing the glimpses in games, and those finishes, for me, are all (a) bonus. And this is just the beginning of who we think Kelyn Rowe is going to be.”
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
It’s not always easy for a player to join a new team late in the season, but that’s the challenge posed to newcomer O’Brian Woodbine, who signed with the Revolution earlier this month.
Even though the Jamaican International would like nothing more than to become a major part of the team’s playoff push, Woodbine is realistic about his chances of cracking the lineup, especially as it tries to rediscover its early-season form.
“It’s going to be difficult to jump into the starting team,” Woodbine said. “But I’ll just work my way through the process because it’s going to take time.”
Revs let precious points slip away
September, 16, 2013
Sep 16
11:21
AM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
Scoring twice before halftime is often more than enough for a MLS team to emphatically punch its ticket for three points or, at the very least, a valuable, late-season point. And doing so on the road makes it even sweeter.
But even though the Revolution attack was firing on all cylinders in the first half, their defense let them down in the second frame and, as a result, they came away with nothing in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park.
“It’s really frustrating,” Revolution center back Stephen McCarthy told the media after the game. “Looking back, it turned into a shootout there at the end, going both ways. We need to be smarter and get guys behind the ball. (The) second half was not our best stuff.”
Although the second half was nothing short of a nightmare for the Revolution, the first 45 was a different story. Ten minutes had yet to elapse when Kelyn Rowe launched a shot from 25 yards that took a slight deflection off Fire midfielder Patrick Nyarko before it floated over the reach of Sean Johnson and fell into the back of the net.
“I saw space in front of me and it took a nice little deflection, tipped over the goalkeeper,” Rowe told the media after the game. “A goal is a goal. I will take it. Unfortunately it didn’t lead to anything.”
The lead wasn’t as long-lived as the Revolution would’ve liked, as Juan Luis Anangono squeezed between Jose Goncalves and Andrew Farrell to score a 30th-minute equalizer. But when Saer Sene reclaimed the lead right before the half, it appeared that the Revolution were in position to sweep its season series with the Fire, who’d they blanked in their previous two meetings this season.
Sene, who earned his first start in over a month on Saturday, scored another in the 50th minute. Well, at least it appeared that way. Although replays showed he was onside when Rowe slipped him a ball through the Fire defense, he was ruled offside by the assistant referee, and the goal was nullified.
“It’s disappointing because that makes it 3-1,” Revolution coach Jay Heaps told the media after the game. “It’s two-fold there; at our level, we can’t defend the way we did, but the assistant referee cannot miss the call he missed, simple as that.”
Things went from bad to worse for the Revolution shortly thereafter. In the 55th minute, Patrick Nyarko fed a pass forward to Mike Magee, who slipped it past Bobby Shuttleworth to erase a Revolution lead for the second time on the evening.
For the next 20 minutes, the pitch rocked back and forth, as both sides made their attacking ambitions known. It appeared another goal was in the making -- it was just a matter of which team would find the breakthrough.
That question was answered in the 86th minute, when Alex collected an attempted Jose Goncalves clearance and blasted it through to give the hosts the only lead they’d need to clinch the win.
Meanwhile, the Revolution loss not only kept them winless in their last three, but also knocked them out of the fifth and final playoff spot -- a spot that the Fire were happy to claim in the wake of their comeback victory.
With only six games left -- and all against conference opponents -- McCarthy outlined what his team needs to do to avoid a late-season letdown.
“We have to get points,” McCarthy said. “We have to get wins. We need three points every game now. We have to make the playoffs.”
But even though the Revolution attack was firing on all cylinders in the first half, their defense let them down in the second frame and, as a result, they came away with nothing in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park.
“It’s really frustrating,” Revolution center back Stephen McCarthy told the media after the game. “Looking back, it turned into a shootout there at the end, going both ways. We need to be smarter and get guys behind the ball. (The) second half was not our best stuff.”
Although the second half was nothing short of a nightmare for the Revolution, the first 45 was a different story. Ten minutes had yet to elapse when Kelyn Rowe launched a shot from 25 yards that took a slight deflection off Fire midfielder Patrick Nyarko before it floated over the reach of Sean Johnson and fell into the back of the net.
“I saw space in front of me and it took a nice little deflection, tipped over the goalkeeper,” Rowe told the media after the game. “A goal is a goal. I will take it. Unfortunately it didn’t lead to anything.”
The lead wasn’t as long-lived as the Revolution would’ve liked, as Juan Luis Anangono squeezed between Jose Goncalves and Andrew Farrell to score a 30th-minute equalizer. But when Saer Sene reclaimed the lead right before the half, it appeared that the Revolution were in position to sweep its season series with the Fire, who’d they blanked in their previous two meetings this season.
Sene, who earned his first start in over a month on Saturday, scored another in the 50th minute. Well, at least it appeared that way. Although replays showed he was onside when Rowe slipped him a ball through the Fire defense, he was ruled offside by the assistant referee, and the goal was nullified.
“It’s disappointing because that makes it 3-1,” Revolution coach Jay Heaps told the media after the game. “It’s two-fold there; at our level, we can’t defend the way we did, but the assistant referee cannot miss the call he missed, simple as that.”
Things went from bad to worse for the Revolution shortly thereafter. In the 55th minute, Patrick Nyarko fed a pass forward to Mike Magee, who slipped it past Bobby Shuttleworth to erase a Revolution lead for the second time on the evening.
For the next 20 minutes, the pitch rocked back and forth, as both sides made their attacking ambitions known. It appeared another goal was in the making -- it was just a matter of which team would find the breakthrough.
That question was answered in the 86th minute, when Alex collected an attempted Jose Goncalves clearance and blasted it through to give the hosts the only lead they’d need to clinch the win.
Meanwhile, the Revolution loss not only kept them winless in their last three, but also knocked them out of the fifth and final playoff spot -- a spot that the Fire were happy to claim in the wake of their comeback victory.
With only six games left -- and all against conference opponents -- McCarthy outlined what his team needs to do to avoid a late-season letdown.
“We have to get points,” McCarthy said. “We have to get wins. We need three points every game now. We have to make the playoffs.”
Revs blow lead twice, fall to Fire
September, 14, 2013
Sep 14
11:20
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell, Special to ESPNBoston.com
Second-half substitute Alex scored late to knock the New England Revolution (10-11-7, 37 points) out of fifth place as they suffered a 3-2 loss to the Chicago Fire (11-11-6, 39 points) at Toyota Park on Saturday.
Alex scored in the 86th minute when he grabbed an attempted Jose Goncalves clearance and ripped a shot from outside the box to score the winner.
The Revolution built an early lead when Kelyn Rowe scored from 25 yards in the ninth minute before Juan Luis Anangono equalized in the 30th minute. Saer Sene put the guests back on top right before the interval with a 45+1 minute strike, but the Fire claimed another equalizer when Mike Magee scored in the 55th minute.
With the loss, the Revolution extended their winless streak to three (0-2-1) and saw the Fire, who snapped their three-game winless streak (0-1-2), seize the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference. With Houston beating Philadelphia earlier in the evening, the Revolution sank to seventh place.
What it means: The road to the postseason just got that much more difficult for the Revolution. After losing to Montreal at home on Sunday, the Revolution needed nothing less than three points in Chicago. They got off on the right foot when Rowe scored early, and even bounced back after Anangono’s 30th-minute goal to reclaim the lead going into the half. But the reliable defense that blanked the Fire in their previous two meetings was nowhere to be seen, as Magee and Alex steered the Fire to an important victory. If the Revolution hope to make it to the postseason, they’re going to need the same record-setting defense seen earlier this season return post haste.
Stat of the game: Anangono’s strike at the half-hour mark was the first goal the Fire had scored on the Revolution since Aug. 18, 2012, totaling a span of 364 minutes.
Agudelo’s back: Juan Agudelo, who missed last week’s game with an injured hamstring, came on in the 71st minute for Dimitry Imbongo. He fired two shots, both of which were blocked by Fire defenders inside the box.
Shuttleworth gets start in place of suspended Reis: Bobby Shuttleworth got the start between the sticks with Matt Reis serving his red-card suspension on Saturday. Shuttleworth entered the match with nine clean sheets in 22 games this season, but hadn’t blanked the opposition since a 2-0 win at Columbus on July 20.
McCarthy reclaims his center back spot: Reigning Revolution defender of the year Stephen McCarthy returned to the lineup for after AJ Soares had started alongside center back Jose Goncalves for the past four games. Soares, who was listed as questionable with an ankle sprain on the team’s injury report, was available off the bench.
Sene returns to the lineup: After leaving his midfield unchanged for the previous four games, Jay Heaps called upon Saer Sene, last year’s leading scorer, to man the right midfield spot in place of Chad Barrett. The start was Sene’s first since a 3-0 loss at Sporting Kansas City on Aug. 10. His 45+1 minute goal was his fourth of the season, and his first since July 13.
Back home next weekend: The Revolution head back to Gillette Stadium for a two-game homestand that kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 21 when they host last-place D.C. United. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Alex scored in the 86th minute when he grabbed an attempted Jose Goncalves clearance and ripped a shot from outside the box to score the winner.
The Revolution built an early lead when Kelyn Rowe scored from 25 yards in the ninth minute before Juan Luis Anangono equalized in the 30th minute. Saer Sene put the guests back on top right before the interval with a 45+1 minute strike, but the Fire claimed another equalizer when Mike Magee scored in the 55th minute.
With the loss, the Revolution extended their winless streak to three (0-2-1) and saw the Fire, who snapped their three-game winless streak (0-1-2), seize the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference. With Houston beating Philadelphia earlier in the evening, the Revolution sank to seventh place.
What it means: The road to the postseason just got that much more difficult for the Revolution. After losing to Montreal at home on Sunday, the Revolution needed nothing less than three points in Chicago. They got off on the right foot when Rowe scored early, and even bounced back after Anangono’s 30th-minute goal to reclaim the lead going into the half. But the reliable defense that blanked the Fire in their previous two meetings was nowhere to be seen, as Magee and Alex steered the Fire to an important victory. If the Revolution hope to make it to the postseason, they’re going to need the same record-setting defense seen earlier this season return post haste.
Stat of the game: Anangono’s strike at the half-hour mark was the first goal the Fire had scored on the Revolution since Aug. 18, 2012, totaling a span of 364 minutes.
Agudelo’s back: Juan Agudelo, who missed last week’s game with an injured hamstring, came on in the 71st minute for Dimitry Imbongo. He fired two shots, both of which were blocked by Fire defenders inside the box.
Shuttleworth gets start in place of suspended Reis: Bobby Shuttleworth got the start between the sticks with Matt Reis serving his red-card suspension on Saturday. Shuttleworth entered the match with nine clean sheets in 22 games this season, but hadn’t blanked the opposition since a 2-0 win at Columbus on July 20.
McCarthy reclaims his center back spot: Reigning Revolution defender of the year Stephen McCarthy returned to the lineup for after AJ Soares had started alongside center back Jose Goncalves for the past four games. Soares, who was listed as questionable with an ankle sprain on the team’s injury report, was available off the bench.
Sene returns to the lineup: After leaving his midfield unchanged for the previous four games, Jay Heaps called upon Saer Sene, last year’s leading scorer, to man the right midfield spot in place of Chad Barrett. The start was Sene’s first since a 3-0 loss at Sporting Kansas City on Aug. 10. His 45+1 minute goal was his fourth of the season, and his first since July 13.
Back home next weekend: The Revolution head back to Gillette Stadium for a two-game homestand that kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 21 when they host last-place D.C. United. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Revs need extra spark vs. Fire
September, 13, 2013
Sep 13
6:35
PM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Revolution coach Jay Heaps knows that the Fire are going to find chances against his squad in Saturday’s clash at Toyota Park. In a sense, it would be foolish to think otherwise.
At home, the Fire boast an 8-4-2 record, and have grabbed victories against two of the top three teams in the conference (Montreal and Sporting Kansas City) in recent weeks, thanks in part to the efforts of Mike Magee and Dilly Duka.
But even though the dynamic duo have shown they can exploit a defense at a moment’s notice, what Heaps is hoping for is that his back line doesn’t give Magee and Duka more than their fair share of opportunities.
“It’s about limiting the unnecessary chances,” Heaps said. “Because good players are going to get chances. It’s hard to say you’re going to shut guys (like them) out.”
On Aug. 17, the Revolution were able to keep both Magee and Duka off the board in a 2-0 win at Gillette Stadium. Although both players found the space to threaten the Revolution, the hosts succeeded in stifling the duo in front of the net.
But it’ll take more than keeping tabs and containing two of the Fire’s most potent attackers for the Revolution to call Saturday night a success, especially when taking the Eastern Conference table into consideration. With only a point separating the fifth-place Revolution from the seventh-place Fire, a draw does the guests little good, especially with the postseason race tightening in the last two weeks. So the Revolution know that they have to be just as sharp up front as they hope to be in the back.
“I think the most important thing for us is to take care of our chances,” Revolution defender Andrew Farrell said. “I think defensively, we’ll be alright. They’ll get their chances because they’ve got good players. But I think when Chris (Tierney) and I give those balls in (the box) and our forwards take care of those opportunities, (then) we’ll take care of business.”
While being defensively sound and offensively strong are always important, another thing the Revolution have to avoid are the costly mistakes.
In Sunday’s match against Montreal, the Revolution conceded two penalties, and allowed Marco Di Vaio to effectively score at will in a wild 4-2 loss. With points coming at a greater premium every week, Tierney knows his team can’t afford a repeat of Sunday’s performance.
“You just have to pick your times and be smart,” Tierney said. “(Chicago) likes to open the game up (at home) and they’ve got some guys that can hurt you with pace. You just have to keep track of their key players.”
With that in mind, Heaps knows that the best way -- and perhaps the only way -- his team can come away with three points is to play an intelligent and focused brand of soccer that starts in the back and, with a little ingenuity, yields success up front.
“It’s going to take smart plays,” Heaps said. “We can’t lose (track of) a guy -- I think that that’s something that’s hurt us. We have to be smart in how we try to take the game, whether we sit in a little bit more and counter attack or whether we press them high up the field.”
At home, the Fire boast an 8-4-2 record, and have grabbed victories against two of the top three teams in the conference (Montreal and Sporting Kansas City) in recent weeks, thanks in part to the efforts of Mike Magee and Dilly Duka.
But even though the dynamic duo have shown they can exploit a defense at a moment’s notice, what Heaps is hoping for is that his back line doesn’t give Magee and Duka more than their fair share of opportunities.
“It’s about limiting the unnecessary chances,” Heaps said. “Because good players are going to get chances. It’s hard to say you’re going to shut guys (like them) out.”
On Aug. 17, the Revolution were able to keep both Magee and Duka off the board in a 2-0 win at Gillette Stadium. Although both players found the space to threaten the Revolution, the hosts succeeded in stifling the duo in front of the net.
But it’ll take more than keeping tabs and containing two of the Fire’s most potent attackers for the Revolution to call Saturday night a success, especially when taking the Eastern Conference table into consideration. With only a point separating the fifth-place Revolution from the seventh-place Fire, a draw does the guests little good, especially with the postseason race tightening in the last two weeks. So the Revolution know that they have to be just as sharp up front as they hope to be in the back.
“I think the most important thing for us is to take care of our chances,” Revolution defender Andrew Farrell said. “I think defensively, we’ll be alright. They’ll get their chances because they’ve got good players. But I think when Chris (Tierney) and I give those balls in (the box) and our forwards take care of those opportunities, (then) we’ll take care of business.”
While being defensively sound and offensively strong are always important, another thing the Revolution have to avoid are the costly mistakes.
In Sunday’s match against Montreal, the Revolution conceded two penalties, and allowed Marco Di Vaio to effectively score at will in a wild 4-2 loss. With points coming at a greater premium every week, Tierney knows his team can’t afford a repeat of Sunday’s performance.
“You just have to pick your times and be smart,” Tierney said. “(Chicago) likes to open the game up (at home) and they’ve got some guys that can hurt you with pace. You just have to keep track of their key players.”
With that in mind, Heaps knows that the best way -- and perhaps the only way -- his team can come away with three points is to play an intelligent and focused brand of soccer that starts in the back and, with a little ingenuity, yields success up front.
“It’s going to take smart plays,” Heaps said. “We can’t lose (track of) a guy -- I think that that’s something that’s hurt us. We have to be smart in how we try to take the game, whether we sit in a little bit more and counter attack or whether we press them high up the field.”
Revs show ability to dig deep
September, 12, 2013
Sep 12
11:28
AM ET
By Brian O'Connell | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Down a man, and stuck in a two-goal halftime deficit, the Revolution might have been tempted to play a tentative brand of soccer in the second half of Sunday’s contest against Montreal.
Not only had they lost Matt Reis to a fifth-minute red card, but two of the three goals they’d given up before the interval had come from the spot. Clearly, it was not their night.
But instead of rolling out a risk-avoidance game plan for the second half, the Revolution examined the situation and reached a different conclusion.
“I think something that was said in the locker room was that ‘it couldn’t get any worse than this,’ ” Revolution right back Andrew Farrell said. “We were down 3-1 at halftime, and down a man, so there’s not much else you can do but lace them up and go out there.”
Although Marco Di Vaio made it a 4-1 game not long after the interval, the Revolution were far from broken. They pressed on and found a Kelyn Rowe goal in the 77th minute, and even managed to outshoot their opponents 6-4 in the final 45.
“I think we did well,” Farrell said. “I think we moved the ball a lot better, surprisingly, with 10 men than 11. The effort and intensity were there, and if we can carry that over into the next game (at Chicago), I think we’ll be able to take care of business.”
With the benefit of 11 men, of course.
Six days after battling the Impact for the first time this season, the Revolution will be facing a familiar foe in the Chicago Fire on Saturday.
Four weeks ago, the Revolution staked a 2-0 win over the Fire, and did so by keeping Mike Magee and Dilly Duka at bay. That, combined with a strong performance from Juan Agudelo, kept the Fire from salvaging a point on the road.
But with Agudelo likely out (hamstring), and the venue shifting back to Toyota Park -- where the Fire are 8-4-2 and unbeaten in their last four, the Revolution’s challenge will be that much more difficult.
“They play well at home,” Revolution coach Jay Heaps said. “We have to be mindful of what they do well at home, what they do different at home than when they’re on the road.”
Translation: Expect a fiercer Fire attack, as Frank Klopas’ club has collected an average of four more shots per game at home (16) than they do on the road (12).
With the Fire (36 points) and Revolution (37 points) separated by a single point, Farrell believes that Saturday’s contest may yield a fascinating insight as to who wants a trip to the postseason more.
“They’re like us,” Farrell said. “They’re trying to make the playoffs, and we’re going to have to beat them. At the end of the day, it’s going to be [a battle] for the final playoff spot.”
Not only had they lost Matt Reis to a fifth-minute red card, but two of the three goals they’d given up before the interval had come from the spot. Clearly, it was not their night.
But instead of rolling out a risk-avoidance game plan for the second half, the Revolution examined the situation and reached a different conclusion.
“I think something that was said in the locker room was that ‘it couldn’t get any worse than this,’ ” Revolution right back Andrew Farrell said. “We were down 3-1 at halftime, and down a man, so there’s not much else you can do but lace them up and go out there.”
Although Marco Di Vaio made it a 4-1 game not long after the interval, the Revolution were far from broken. They pressed on and found a Kelyn Rowe goal in the 77th minute, and even managed to outshoot their opponents 6-4 in the final 45.
“I think we did well,” Farrell said. “I think we moved the ball a lot better, surprisingly, with 10 men than 11. The effort and intensity were there, and if we can carry that over into the next game (at Chicago), I think we’ll be able to take care of business.”
With the benefit of 11 men, of course.
Familiar foe, different venue
Six days after battling the Impact for the first time this season, the Revolution will be facing a familiar foe in the Chicago Fire on Saturday.
Four weeks ago, the Revolution staked a 2-0 win over the Fire, and did so by keeping Mike Magee and Dilly Duka at bay. That, combined with a strong performance from Juan Agudelo, kept the Fire from salvaging a point on the road.
But with Agudelo likely out (hamstring), and the venue shifting back to Toyota Park -- where the Fire are 8-4-2 and unbeaten in their last four, the Revolution’s challenge will be that much more difficult.
“They play well at home,” Revolution coach Jay Heaps said. “We have to be mindful of what they do well at home, what they do different at home than when they’re on the road.”
Translation: Expect a fiercer Fire attack, as Frank Klopas’ club has collected an average of four more shots per game at home (16) than they do on the road (12).
Similar situations
With the Fire (36 points) and Revolution (37 points) separated by a single point, Farrell believes that Saturday’s contest may yield a fascinating insight as to who wants a trip to the postseason more.
“They’re like us,” Farrell said. “They’re trying to make the playoffs, and we’re going to have to beat them. At the end of the day, it’s going to be [a battle] for the final playoff spot.”
Revs showed fight despite uphill climb
September, 10, 2013
Sep 10
12:31
AM ET
By Brian O'Connell, Special to ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- It’s not every day that a team finds itself short-handed for nearly an hour and a half. But that’s the situation the Revolution faced in Sunday’s 4-2 loss to Montreal.
After Matt Reis was red-carded in the fifth minute for fouling Marco Di Vaio inside the box -- which also gave the Impact a penalty -- the Revolution were doomed to an 85-minute uphill climb. A climb that very few teams can truly prepare for.
“You don’t practice them for 90 minutes’ worth of down-a-man (play),” Revolution coach Jay Heaps said. “But I thought we did well. We actually practiced stuff where you get a red card, give up a goal and you’ve got 30 minutes to get back in the game.”
Although they might have been dealt a tough hand early, the Revolution made the most of their cards rather than folding. After all, there was still plenty of time to dig out an equalizer, and possibly squeeze out a draw.
Two minutes after Patrice Bernier’s first strike from the spot in the eighth minute, Kelyn Rowe ripped one of his trademark long-distance shots that forced Troy Perkins to tip it over the bar.
Not long after, Diego Fagundez found plenty of space going forward and sent a pass right in front of Dimitry Imbongo, who nearly reached it before Jeb Brovsky slid in and sent it away. But the ball fell right back to Fagundez, who promptly buried it to knot the game at 1-1 in the 26th minute.
That relentless attitude, and the ability to put the red card behind them, was something that even elicited praise from Bernier himself.
“I must say, give them credit,” Bernier said. “They kept hustling even though with 10 men they tried to push. They never stopped.”
But before the half came to a close, it became readily apparent that a comeback wasn’t to be, no matter how hard the Revolution battled back.
A second penalty -- this one for a Jose Goncalves foul on Felipe Martins inside the 18 -- gave way to a second strike from the spot by Bernier in the 33rd minute. Then, moments before halftime, Di Vaio figured out a way to beat the backline when he scored a superb goal in the 45+2 minute.
Another Di Vaio strike in the 55th minute could have turned it into a blowout, but the Revolution weren’t about to go quietly into the night. Not at home, and most certainly not with plenty of holes to exploit in the Impact defense.
While Perkins denied him on his first shot on goal, Rowe launched another effort from distance and found the back of the net in the 77th minute to remind Montreal that they weren’t quite finished.
Although Heaps wasn’t terribly pleased with the officiating, he couldn’t help but admire the collective spirit of his young team, who showed the kind of resolve many MLS teams struggle to find after they’re hit with an early red card.
“For us, it was a great effort from our guys and credit our team, but credit Montreal (also),” Heaps said. “Di Vaio finished two chances, and they were brilliant.”
After Matt Reis was red-carded in the fifth minute for fouling Marco Di Vaio inside the box -- which also gave the Impact a penalty -- the Revolution were doomed to an 85-minute uphill climb. A climb that very few teams can truly prepare for.
“You don’t practice them for 90 minutes’ worth of down-a-man (play),” Revolution coach Jay Heaps said. “But I thought we did well. We actually practiced stuff where you get a red card, give up a goal and you’ve got 30 minutes to get back in the game.”
Although they might have been dealt a tough hand early, the Revolution made the most of their cards rather than folding. After all, there was still plenty of time to dig out an equalizer, and possibly squeeze out a draw.
Two minutes after Patrice Bernier’s first strike from the spot in the eighth minute, Kelyn Rowe ripped one of his trademark long-distance shots that forced Troy Perkins to tip it over the bar.
Not long after, Diego Fagundez found plenty of space going forward and sent a pass right in front of Dimitry Imbongo, who nearly reached it before Jeb Brovsky slid in and sent it away. But the ball fell right back to Fagundez, who promptly buried it to knot the game at 1-1 in the 26th minute.
That relentless attitude, and the ability to put the red card behind them, was something that even elicited praise from Bernier himself.
“I must say, give them credit,” Bernier said. “They kept hustling even though with 10 men they tried to push. They never stopped.”
But before the half came to a close, it became readily apparent that a comeback wasn’t to be, no matter how hard the Revolution battled back.
A second penalty -- this one for a Jose Goncalves foul on Felipe Martins inside the 18 -- gave way to a second strike from the spot by Bernier in the 33rd minute. Then, moments before halftime, Di Vaio figured out a way to beat the backline when he scored a superb goal in the 45+2 minute.
Another Di Vaio strike in the 55th minute could have turned it into a blowout, but the Revolution weren’t about to go quietly into the night. Not at home, and most certainly not with plenty of holes to exploit in the Impact defense.
While Perkins denied him on his first shot on goal, Rowe launched another effort from distance and found the back of the net in the 77th minute to remind Montreal that they weren’t quite finished.
Although Heaps wasn’t terribly pleased with the officiating, he couldn’t help but admire the collective spirit of his young team, who showed the kind of resolve many MLS teams struggle to find after they’re hit with an early red card.
“For us, it was a great effort from our guys and credit our team, but credit Montreal (also),” Heaps said. “Di Vaio finished two chances, and they were brilliant.”
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New England Revolution
The New England Revolution are one of the 10 original MLS teams that began play in 1996. In their history, the Revolution have reached the MLS Cup finals four times (2002, 2005, 2006 and 2007) but have yet to win. For more information on the Revs, check out their official website or follow them on Twitter here.