Jack Harrison stood out in his first start for the New England Revolution.
The Designated Player made his Revs debut last weekend, going 4/4 on successful dribbles and 8/8 on ground duels during his 36 minutes against the Houston Dynamo.
One week later, he played 90 minutes in a 2-1 loss to Toronto FC. Harrison finished the night with the most chances created (5), most touches in the opposition box (10), and joint-most shots (4). He earned a late-game assist when Wilson Harris nodded in his cross.
“I think you saw a lot of [Harrison’s] qualities today," head coach Marko Mitrovic said. "First of all, Jack is in the attacking phase of the game. He’s a very clean player. He helps us in the build-up, but also when he gets higher on the field, he is very good in those small combinations and playing one-v-one. I also think he had several very good crosses."
Harrison almost had a goal of his own, with one shot being narrowly off-target and another hitting the woodwork.
Harrison's slick footwork and crafty movements draw the opponents' attention. At times, Toronto had two players cover the former Leeds United man.
Goalkeeper Matt Turner was impressed by his new teammate.
"We're grateful to have him here and that he's getting going, but in the end, when somebody plays as well as that, we want to be in a position to get points," Turner said.
Just a few weeks into his tenure as a Rev, expectations are that Harrison's contributions will continue to grow as he becomes more familiar with his teammates and builds fitness.
"We have to know that this is his first 90 minutes after a long time," Mitrovic said. "First of all, I’m proud that he pushed himself and played 90 minutes, but once he gets in a better game rhythm, we can expect even more from him, but I’m very happy and very pleased with his performance tonight."
