After a difficult welcome to Major League Soccer in 2022, Revolution fans were hoping that Giacomo Vrioni would get off to a good start in 2023. Unfortunately, Vrioni was unable to make an impact in the New England Revolution’s 2023 season-opening win over Charlotte FC.
The striker was subbed off in the 64th minute and only tallied 18 touches and a single shot. He looked clumsy with the ball and not like a player who led the Austrian League in goals during the 2021-22 season.
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The Blazing Musket’s own Seth Macomber attended training on Tuesday and asked Bruce Arena about what he wants to see from Vrioni after his performance in the season opener.
“Well, [Giacomo Vrioni] has to be more involved in our attack,” Arena said. “I think he needs to do a better job showing for the ball, holding it up, has to be a little bit better in the air, but he’s still a young player and especially in this league, it’s going to take some time.”
Arena also added that Vrioni still needs to adjust to playing in MLS.
“Well, [Giacomo Vrioni] missed last year basically, so he’s far behind,” the head coach and sporting director stated. “There’s definitely progress, but it’s going to take him some time. It takes most players that come into this league a year.”
Vrioni will get a chance right away to rectify his subpar performance against Charlotte. New England will play its first home game of the 2023 season on Saturday against the Houston Dynamo and the striker will have all of Gillette Stadium cheering him on.
