Andrew Farrell Returns After Suffering Quad Strain

After not playing in two matches, the defender returned to the New England Revolution starting XI against Austin FC.

Photo By ©J. Alexander Dolan

Andrew Farrell is known as “Mr. Rev” so when he isn’t out on the field it is noticeable. After not playing in two matches, the defender returned to the New England Revolution starting XI against Austin FC.

Farrell played all 90 minutes at right back as Matt Polster missed the match. The MLS veteran recorded 57 touches, 81 percent pass completion, 11 passes into the final third, four recoveries, and two clearances. Farrell’s return also featured a bicycle kick clearance.

“Obviously good to be back,” Farrell told The Blazing Musket after the match. “These guys made it easy with Dave, Omar, and Ben. It feels pretty easy going back to communication.”

Farrell then jokingly thanked Romney for making a loud noise on accident before mentioning that he was dealing with a quad strain that occurred the Saturday prior to the CF Montreal game. He added that he didn’t necessarily know if he was going to be able to play 90 minutes.

It’s clear that Romney and Farrell have built some chemistry whether it be through jokes or Romney commenting about how nice it is having Farrell back on the field.

“Yeah it’s huge, love Andrew,” the former Nashville SC center back said. “He’s a great team leader, a great morale guy, so it’s always nice to have him back in the lineup. Everybody knows how good he is on the field as well besides just the emotional energy he brings to the group.”

As mentioned, the 31-year-old returned to right back where he began his career. While he played the position earlier this season, having Gonzalez and Romney next to him made life easier for Farrell.

“It was good to have the two center backs talking to me and having Nacho,” the veteran said. “He does both sides of the ball so it was very easy to fill right in there. I actually watched a little bit of Polster in video so I took some advice from him. I felt good and wherever the team needs me to play and step up, obviously we got guys injured and guys on baby watch."

Polster missed the match as his wife Brittney gave birth to the couple’s second child, Rocky.

The return of Farrell strengthens a back line that has had to deal with an exorbitant amount of injuries. With DeJuan Jones and Farrell both looking relatively healthy and the return of Henry Kessler prior to the end of the regular season, New England’s back line will be as close to 100 percent as it can get with Brandon Bye out for the season.

Farrell provides depth and the ability to perform as a starter when called upon. If the Revolution want to make a run for an MLS Cup, they will need veterans such as the 31-year-old to help potentially guide New England to that elusive trophy.

But for now, the club and Farrell will focus on ending the regular season on a high note and the veteran defender is willing to help out his team any way that he can.