The New England Revolution are looking for more success in the final third.
Through two games – both on the road – the Revs have produced one goal through four shots on target. This is not what new head coach Marko Mitrovic envisions for his team.
"We are working on that," Mitrovic said. "Those numbers are not something that we like to see or that are our tendency."
Of course, it's not simply about more shots. Rather, it's about creating high-quality chances.
"You can get in spaces and take the shots from 30 yards and have a number after the game that says we took 15 shots," Mitrovic said. "But how many of those shots are really dangerous situations?
"Obviously, saying that, we still have to improve, I would say, before the shots, arriving in the right spots in the final third and then creating opportunities to take those shots, especially from the shots where we can more likely score the goals."
Carles Gil will continue to be the Revolution's chief creator, a role he's filled since signing in 2019, but the game against Red Bull New York highlighted the value of variety.
Right back Ilay Feingold created two chances – same as Gil – one of which would've been an equalizer, if not for a heroic goal-line clearance. Mitrovic called Feingold "a full back that has an attacking mindset."
The Revs could soon get similar contributions from Peyton Miller on the left. The 18-year-old is a full participant in training after missing several weeks due to injury.
"We know Peyton and how talented he is, and with his speed, how much he can provide us," Mitrovic said. "Actually, he’s a threat in behind and also putting opponents on the back foot when he is on the field because you have to defend his speed.
"Peyton started to train with the team after several weeks being out. He is going to be in consideration for Sunday’s game. We are still creating the best plan and amount of minutes that would be best for Peyton on Sunday.”
It's early days for the Revs under a new coach, who promotes a free-flowing style of soccer. The hope is that more offensive production is on the horizon.
“For us, every player contributes when we attack," Mitrovic said. "There are players that provide certain passes so we can advance the ball, there are players that have to receive those balls higher up the field, there are players that are running in behind."
